[Hormone dysregulators. Pseudo-estrogens in dental composite resins and sealanta?]

A number of polluting chemicals in the ecosystems must be characterized as hormone disruptors. Among others, male animals appear to become feminized by the action of the so-called pseudo-estrogens and under their influence mens' fertility is said to decrease. Composites and sealants based on Bis-GMA resin may contain bisphenol-A as an impurity and Bis-DMA, from which in saliva bisphenol-A will be formed by hydrolytic degradation. Therefore, in extreme circumstances a weak estrogenic effect is not impossible on the short-term. However, the amounts of these probably not very potent estrogenic compounds are small, thereby resulting in a tolerable risk on the short term. Long-term-effects and synergism with pseudo-estrogens from other sources prompt further studies in order to verify the safety of the Bis-GMA containing products.