Answer :
Final answer:
Contaminated dental amalgam is commonly found in dental labs and consists of mercury and other materials like silver and tin. It poses a risk of mercury poisoning if not handled with proper safety measures to prevent contamination.
Explanation:
An example of a commonly found contaminated item in the dental lab is dental amalgam. This is a gray substance that some dentists still use to fill tooth cavities. It is a complex solid solution that contains about 50% mercury, as well as a powder containing mostly silver, tin, and copper, with small amounts of zinc and mercury. Dental amalgam can become a source of contamination if not handled properly, as mercury is a toxic substance which could lead to mercury poisoning if appropriate care is not taken to avoid inhalation or direct skin contact. In the case of procedures or lab work, strict protocols must be followed to ensure that materials such as dental amalgam, which may harbour pathogens if not handled safely, do not cause cross-contamination or infections.
