Release of mercury vapor from corroding amalgam in vitro

The release of mercury vapor was determined from eleven different amalgams exposed to externally induced corrosion by galvanic contact with a dental casting gold alloy. The electrolyte was an artificial saliva solution at 37 degrees C. The corrosion rates of the amalgams could be divided into two groups corresponding to the grouping into conventional and high-copper materials. The mercury release rate decreased during the 24 h test period for all the amalgams except one containing indium. There was no significant difference in the total mercury release between the conventional and high-copper amalgams as groups. The same applied for the individual products, except the one containing indium, which released significantly more mercury vapor than the two products with the lowest release.