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
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]
