Methylmethacrylate

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) forms the basis of acrylic bone cements used in orthopedic surgery and also in dental repairs and intraocular lenses.

During its preparation, generally in the operating room, there may be exposure to vapours which irritate the respiratory tract, eyes and skin, without the ability to gauge significant toxic effects with acute exposure (Muttray 2015), nor measure detectable levels in the plasma (Homlar 2013 ) or breastmilk (Linehan 2006) of the personnel who are exposed.

The threshold limit values ​​for daily exposure of 50 ppm (208 mg/m3) and the threshold limit values ​​for short-term exposure of 100 ppm (416 mg/m3) (Muttray 2015, Rosell 2008), are difficult to reach if adequate protection systems are used (Downes 2014, Rosell 2008). Most exposed is the person who prepares the cement.
Exposure is minimized by ventilation systems, use of double gloves, goggles and respiratory masks with an adequate filter and, above all, by the use of closed preparation systems (Downes 2014, Rosell 2008).

Very low levels of MMA have been measured in breastmilk after an arthroplasty with methylmethacrylate was performed on a breastfeeding mother, so it would not be necessary to interrupt breastfeeding (Hersh 1995).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Methylmethacrylate since it is relatively safe.