Dental Fillings and Mercury

Many people may be unaware of the mercury in dental fillings due to the lack of informed consent. Dental Fillings termed as amalgam are composed of mercury bound to other metals. Although scientific studies have indicated that mercury can be lethal, the mixture of metals is still widely used in dentistry for filling holes in the tooth because it is able to adhere well to the cavity in the tooth. Currently, dental amalgams are composed of 43% to 54% by weight of mercury and the remaining powder is made up of mainly silver (~20-35%)[2] and some tin, copper (~10%), and zinc (~2%). [1]

HEALTH ISSUE
In 2004, the Life Sciences Research Office analyzed studies related to dental amalgam published after 1996. It concluded that mean urinary mercury concentration (μg of Hg/L in urine, HgU) was the most reliable estimate of mercury exposure. The estimation found people with dental amalgam were unlikely to reach the levels where adverse effects are seen from occupational exposure (35 μg HgU). 95% of study participants had μg HgU below 4-5. An exception goes to people who are chewing gum, particularly for nicotine, along with more amalgam, seemed to pose the greatest risk of increasing exposure; one gum-chewer had 24.8 μg HgU.However, from reviewing medical literature, the World Health Organization states mercury levels in biomarkers such as urine, blood, or hair do not represent levels in critical organs and tissues. [2]
Scientists agree that mercury amalgam fillings expose the bearers to a daily dose of mercury, but the level and effects of the chronic exposure are disputed. In the 1990s, several governments evaluated the effects of dental amalgam and concluded that the most likely health effects would be due to hypersensitivity or allergy. Certain studies from for instance, American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, has stated that amalgam fillings pose no personal health risk. [3]
However, there has been ongoing debate for almost a century over safety of mercury in the amalgam fillings. In a book titled The Brainpower Plan, it warns of the danger to brain health. It stated, "The toxic fillings in your mouth break down into a mercurious vapour that is absorbed instantaneously by the brain. If you have silver fillings, any of the following activities will release toxic levels of mercury into your brain:

• Brushing your teeth
• Chewing food or gum
• Drinking hot liquids
• Using plaque removal systems and products

When these actions release mercury into your system, the high fat content of your brain accepts that mercury instantly, interfering with the brain and create groundwork for long-term brain dysfunction and disease." Some of the negative effects of amalgam mentioned include cognitive problem, headaches, lack of concentration, poor memory, abdominal pain, anaemia and gait disturbance--walking and balance.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE
The WHO reports that mercury from amalgam accounts for 5% of total mercury emissions and that when combined with waste mercury from laboratory and medical devices, represents 53% of total mercury emissions.[4] On the other hand, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informs that a single amalgam placed in a ten acre lake contains enough mercury to contaminate the water and all fish in it, with predictable harmful results.

These are some questions for thought by me:
1. For a person who has more/ alot of amalgam fillings inside his/her mouth, does this mean he/she will experience a significant increase in the risk of toxic interaction in the body?
2. If amalgam fillings are really proven to be harmful to the human body and system, and yet is the only way to fill holes in the cavity of your tooth (to protect your tooth), what will be the decision the government or you will make? Choice 1: Continue to use the amalgam fillings containing mercury so that you can prevent your tooth from decaying and spoiling the whole oral health. Choice 2: Ban the use of these amalgam fillings containing mercury as you feel that the health effects it pose is even more significant than your oral health.

References
[1] Ferracane, Jack L. (2001). Materials in Dentistry: Principles and Applications. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 3. ISBN 0-7817-2733-2.
[2] Life Sciences Research Office. (2005). Review and analysis of the health effects of dental amalgam Toxicological Reviews PMID 16042501
[3] Clifton JC 2nd (2007). "Mercury exposure and public health". Pediatr Clin North Am 54 (2): 237–69, viii. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.02.005. PMID 17448359
[4] WHO. (2005). Mercury in Health Care [PDF]

EarthHour 2011

The annual Earth Hour will occur today, 26 March 2011 at 8.30 p.m, all over the globe. Themed "It's time to go beyond the hour", it encourages everyone to switch of your lights even after the so-called "Earth Hour".
Earth Hour is a term to emphasize on the initiative for every individual or household to show their concern for our earth, where various pollution and global warming have constantly do much harm to its environment. The key of Earth Hour has always to encourage us to switch off our lights together from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. It is the power of everyone and everywhere doing this act that can make a significant difference to helping our earth get a much-needed "rest".
This year Earth Hour's Theme also go for the extra mileage to encourage us not to take it for granted. We should continue this practice beyond the Earth Hour, meaning

1. We shall exercise switching off lights every time we do not need it;
2. Cultivate a good habit of switching off lights (and other switches) when necessary,
3. Use of energy-saving lamps/light bulbs to cut down electricity
4. Be alert and always check your premises to ensure switches are off when they are not in use/ when you are away.

I have show cause for the Earth Hour almost every year, hoping that anyone who happens to enter and read my blog would be supporting the cause together with me and others globally.
My last say is, there is only 365 days per year. Earth Hour is that only 1 Hour out of the appx. 8760 hours you will probably hear, see and sense people around you talking about the Earth Hour and doing the same act of switching off lights altogether. Why not we take an extra step in creating a more sustainable living in our daily lives? I believe this can be done.