Amalgam toxicity—environmental and occupational hazards

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2004.02.002

Journal of Dentistry

Volume 32, Issue 5, July 2004, Pages 359-365

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2004.02.002 Get rights and content

Abstract

Objectives. To discuss briefly the recent developments in mercury production, consumption and waste handling especially in relation to the use of mercury in dentistry. Furthermore, to discuss the toxicological and reproductive aspects of the mercury body burden of dental personnel.

Data, sources and study selection. The data discussed are primarily based on published scientific studies and on publications and reviews from governmental and other official authorities which have been published within the last 10 years, References have been traced manually or by MEDLINE^®.

Conclusions. Global production and consumption of mercury is decreasing, as is the production of amalgam fillings in some countries. By proper measures it is possible to further reduce the environmental burden of mercury from dental clinics. In general, the mercury body burden of the dental personnel can be kept below the normally accepted toxicological limits and reproductive effects have not been proven provided a proper mercury hygiene regimen is adopted.

Section snippets

Consumption

Mercury occurs naturally in areas of previous high volcanic activity and is also today produced from mining in areas, such as Algeria, Spain, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mexico and Peru. Mercury is released naturally to the environment by erosion of mineral deposits, volcanic eruptions and geysers. Mercury is moreover distributed in the environment by human activities such as metal smelting and coal production and as uncontrolled waste disposal. By natural means it has been estimated that between 2700

Body burden

The mercury body burden of dental personnel has often shown higher levels than the general population because dental personnel handle mercury in the clinic, remove or assist in removing amalgam fillings and they may also have amalgam fillings themselves. Urine mercury level is used for determining long time exposure to inorganic mercury. A concentration at 1–5 μg Hg/l urine is considered to be within normal range for non-occupational groups.12., 13., 14., 15. The level at which symptoms of

Conclusions

Amalgam is about to be replaced by alternative restorative materials. The risk of environmental problems from disposal of mercury containing waste from dental clinics will therefore decrease over time. All forms of mercury have adverse effects on health at high doses. However, the evidence that exposure to very low doses of mercury has adverse effects is open to wide interpretation.¹ Based on our present knowledge on risk of environmental and occupational hazards from use of mercury in

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Amalgam toxicity—environmental and occupational hazards

Abstract

Section snippets

Consumption

Body burden

Conclusions

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health

Journal of American Dental Association

Journal of American Dental Association

Neurotoxicology and Teratology

Neurotoxicology and Teratology

Journal of American Dental Association

Journal of Dentistry

The toxicology of mercury—current exposures and clinical manifestations

The New England Journal of Medicine

Environmental exposure to mercury and its toxicopathologic implications for public health

Environmental Toxicology

Mercury hygiene

Environmental aspects of dental filling materials

European Journal of Oral Sciences

Environmental aspects of dental restorative materials. A review of the Danish situation

Dental clinics—a burden to environment?

Swedish Dental Journal

Mercury metabolism and toxicology

Amalgam. Gesundheitsrisiko und interdisziplinäres problem?

Internistiche Praxis

Exposure of dentists and assistants to mercury: mercury levels in urine and hair related to conditions of practice

Community Dentistry of Oral Epidemiology