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Micro-dissection of Enamel Organ from Mandibular Incisor of Rats Exposed to Environmental Toxicants
Published on: March 29, 2018
Mercury from dental amalgams: exposure and effects
1Uddeholm Tooling AB, Hagfors, Sweden.
The International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine
|March 21, 2013
Summary
Mercury from dental amalgam fillings may significantly impact public health and quality of life. Exposure levels are higher than safe limits, warranting consideration for neurological and immunological diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Dental amalgam fillings are a widespread source of mercury exposure.
- Concerns exist regarding the long-term health effects of chronic, low-level mercury exposure from dental sources.
- Interprofessional collaboration between dental, medical, and environmental health sectors is often lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the risks associated with mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings.
- To evaluate the contribution of amalgam-derived mercury to modern health problems and reduced quality of life.
- To assess mercury exposure levels relative to established safe limits and explore etiological links to diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of scientific literature across multiple disciplines.
- Analysis of biological and metallurgical evidence pertaining to mercury release from amalgam.
- Consideration of clinical experience spanning ten years in the field.
Main Results:
- Mercury from dental amalgam fillings may significantly contribute to various health issues and decreased quality of life.
- Typical mercury exposure levels from amalgam fillings are 5-10 times higher than safe limits for other mercury sources.
- Dental mercury exposure is a potential etiological factor for neurological, immunological, and endocrinological diseases of unknown origin.
Conclusions:
- The prevailing opinion of 'negligible' mercury exposure from dental amalgam is erroneous.
- Dental mercury exposure warrants serious consideration in the diagnosis of idiopathic neurological, immunological, and endocrinological conditions.
- Protective measures for amalgam removal and the development of alternative dental materials are crucial.
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