Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
07:04
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Does mercury from amalgam restorations constitute a health hazard?
J A Weiner1, M Nylander, F Berglund
1National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, Solna, Sweden.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Dental amalgam fillings release mercury vapor, posing potential risks to the kidneys and central nervous system (CNS). Further research is needed, but current evidence suggests amalgam may be unsuitable for dental restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Amalgam is the most widely used dental implant material.
- No clinical trials or epidemiological studies exist to confirm the safety of amalgam fillings.
- Amalgam restorations release mercury vapor, which is absorbed through the lungs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and toxicological profile of dental amalgam.
- To assess potential health risks associated with mercury vapor emission from amalgam fillings.
- To determine if amalgam is a suitable material for dental restorations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing occupational studies on mercury exposure and dose-effect relationships.
- Analysis of potential risks to the kidneys and central nervous system (CNS).
- Consideration of animal studies on immune system reactions and genetic susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Individuals with high mercury emission from amalgam fillings may be at risk for kidney and CNS effects.
- The sensitivity of current occupational studies is limited, and severe effects in susceptible individuals cannot be ruled out.
- Animal studies suggest potential dose-independent immune system reactions and autoimmunity linked to genetic susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Dental amalgam is a potential health risk due to continuous mercury vapor emission.
- Further research is required to fully understand long-term effects and individual susceptibility.
- From a toxicological standpoint, amalgam is considered an unsuitable material for dental restorations.
Related Concept Videos
03:50The Scientific Method
Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion.
01:26Physical Properties of Amines
Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.
01:19Masking and Demasking Agents
EDTA titrations may necessitate masking and demasking agents to temporarily protect a particular metal ion in a mixture from the EDTA reaction. These agents facilitate the sequential analysis of the metal ions by forming stable complexes with some—but not all—metal ions during certain steps.
There are many masking agents, such as cyanide, fluoride, triethanolamine, thiourea, and 2,3-bis(sulfanyl)propan-1-ol (formerly 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol), with the masking agent chosen based on the metal...
There are many masking agents, such as cyanide, fluoride, triethanolamine, thiourea, and 2,3-bis(sulfanyl)propan-1-ol (formerly 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol), with the masking agent chosen based on the metal...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:26Minerals
Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.
01:19Acid Mine Drainage
Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten aquatic...