[Toxicological assessment of amalgam components released in immersion tests]

After immersion of unpolished and polished high copper amalgam in saliva with different pH values for up to 12 weeks, the elements mercury, tin, copper, silver and antimony were analysed in the solution. Unpolished amalgam corroded more than polished amalgam. Corrosion increased with the time of immersion and the acidity of the solution. The values calculated to a maximum of clinical application not imply any toxicologic risk.