[sorry folks, this is going to be long, but is necessary to refut the many
lies
and misleading info.  I will snip Peter's dancing and asking me questions
becasue he know he hasn't answered mine].

No need to cover what has already been posted.

http://groups.google.com/group/misc.headlines/msg/499875d1aff80e84

http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles/comment/asomat.htm

http://www.waste.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/B2493D20-3208-4CC1-8A74-D655C9224ACB/0/Merc
urySpills5_5_05pdf.pdf

Comment and Opinion

small amounts of mercury

NHMRC

$529 MILLION IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH GRANTS

Disclaimer
Disclaimer information for users of the National Medical Health and Medical
Research Council website

NH&MRC

There is a lack of convincing evidence of a link between dental amalgam
restorations and specific diseases and symptoms" and "Nor is there any
evidence of improvements in health upon removal of dental amalgam fillings.
Further, no studies have been conducted comparing the health outcomes of
people with and without dental amalgam fillings".

*Substantial* *real*  *convincing* *hard* *clear-cut* *reasonable*
*significant* *credibile* *compelling* *copious* *direct*  *reliable*
*adequate*  *solid*

http://www.vimy-dentistry.com/nhanesstudy.htm

http://tinyurl.com/dpjdj

FASEB J. 1995 Apr;9(7):504-8.Related Articles, Links

Comment in:
FASEB J. 1995 Nov;9(14):1499-500.

Mercury exposure from "silver" tooth fillings: emerging evidence questions a
traditional dental paradigm.

Lorscheider FL, Vimy MJ, Summers AO.

Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

For more than 160 years dentistry has used silver amalgam, which contains
approximately 50% Hg metal, as the preferred tooth filling material. During
the past decade medical research has demonstrated that this Hg is
continuously released as vapor into mouth air; then it is inhaled, absorbed
into body tissues, oxidized to ionic Hg, and finally covalently bound to
cell proteins. Animal and human experiments demonstrate that the uptake,
tissue distribution, and excretion of amalgam Hg is significant, and that
dental amalgam is the major contributing source to Hg body burden in humans.
Current research on the pathophysiological effects of amalgam Hg has focused
upon the immune system, renal system, oral and intestinal bacteria,
reproductive system, and the central nervous system. Research evidence does
not support the notion of amalgam safety.

Publication Types
PMID: 7737458 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra
ct&list_uids=11822127

1: Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd. 1993 Apr;100(4):179-82.Related Articles, Links

[Amalgam. IV. Metabolism of mercury]

[Article in Dutch]

Gladys S, van Meerbeek B, Vanherle G, Lambrechts P.

Afdeling Conserverende Tandheelkunde en Tandheelkundige Materialen, School
voor Tandheelkunde, Mondziekten en Kaakchirurgie, Katholieke Universiteit te
Leuven, Belgie.

After absorption in the body by four ways, each type of mercury undergoes a
specific metabolism. Elementary mercury as mercury vapour becomes rapidly
oxidized to Hg2+ and, afterwards, is metabolized as an inorganic mercurial
compound. From the blood circulation mercury reaches target organs like the
kidneys, the central nervous system, the liver and the hypophysis, in which
mercury accumulates. The retention time varies by organ and is longest in
the brain. Mercury is mainly eliminated with urine and faeces, to a lesser
degree with transpiration and mother's milk and sometimes by respiration.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial

PMID: 11822127 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.greenfacts.org/mercury/l-2/mercury-2.htm#2

.2 How are we exposed to mercury?
The main source of elemental mercury vapour is dental amalgam (a tooth
filling).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra
ct&list_uids=11799732
1: Bull Group Int Rech Sci Stomatol Odontol. 2000
May-Dec;42(2-3):88-93.Related Articles, Links

Salivary mercury levels in healthy donors with and without amalgam fillings.

Pizzichini M, Fonzi M, Gasparoni A, Fonzi L.

Department of Biomedical Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Dental amalgam (AMG) is the most diffused dental filling material. Since it
is constituted for at least 40-45% of Hg, many questions have raised about
its safe use. Hg particles from dental amalgam dissolve in saliva and, being
ingested, they reach the blood stream through the intestinal mucosa. It has
been demonstrated that amalgam fillings continuously release Hg vapour and
that there is detectable Hg in expired and inspired air of amalgam owners.
It is not yet fully accepted that AMG fillings represent the principal
source of Hg for man and the aim of this study was to evaluate if the
mercury level in saliva: 1) was higher within people bearing dental amalgam
restorations than in people with no restorations; 2) was different between
males or females; 3) increased in relation to the surface of amalgam
restorations. The results showed a correlation between number of fillings
and salivary Hg, between amalgam surface and salivary Hg. The Authors could
finally assert that AMG fillings represented the principal source of
salivary Hg in the subjects studied.

PMID: 11799732 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra
ct&list_uids=14651282

1: J Endod. 2003 Nov;29(11):743-6.Related Articles, Links

In vitro neurotoxic evaluation of root-end-filling materials.

Asrari M, Lobner D.

Department of Endodontics, Marquette University School of Dentistry,
Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA. masrari@wi.rr.com

Root-end-filling materials have been tested for toxicity on several cell
types, but their toxicity has not been tested on neurons. In this study we
evaluated the neurotoxicity in murine cerebral cortical cell cultures of
four commonly used root-end-filling materials: mineral trioxide aggregate,
amalgam, Super EBA, and Diaket. Standardized amounts of each material were
placed on culture-well inserts, allowing the material to be exposed to the
culture bathing media without causing physical disruption of the cells. Cell
death was quantified by assaying release of the cytosolic enzyme lactate
dehydrogenase. Exposure of cortical cultures to freshly mixed or 7-day-old
MTA did not cause significant neuronal death, whereas exposure to freshly
mixed or 7-day-old amalgam, Super EBA, and Diaket resulted in significant
neuronal death (p < .05). Thus, each material, except for mineral trioxide
aggregate, can induce neurotoxicity, even when allowed to set thoroughly.

PMID: 14651282 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra
ct&list_uids=12752546

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2003 Jun;31(3):200-6.Related Articles, Links

Reporting on adverse reactions to dental materials--intraoral observations
at a clinical follow-up.

Lygre GB, Gjerdet NR, Gronningsaeter AG, Bjorkman L.

Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit, University of Bergen, Norway.
Gunvor.Lygre@odont.uib.no

OBJECTIVES: A national reporting system designed to monitor adverse
reactions to dental materials was established in Norway in 1993. The
activities have also included clinical examination of patients with
suspected reactions to dental materials. The ongoing activities are
coordinated by the Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit at the
University of Bergen. The reporting procedure is based on voluntary
spontaneous reporting by dentists and physicians. The reports could be based
on subjective symptoms or objective findings, or both. The aim of the
present study was to compare reported objective intraoral findings with
those found during examination at the unit. METHODS: Reported reactions were
compared with clinical findings obtained following dental and medical
examination at the unit. From 1993 to 1999, a total of 899 reports were
received while 253 patients were referred and examined at the unit. RESULTS:
The reports on patients who were examined at the unit involved mainly
reactions related to amalgam fillings (84%), metals in fixed dentures (11%),
resin-based materials and cements (4%), materials used in removable dentures
(2%), and endodontic materials (2%). Edema, lichenoid reactions,
ulcers/vesicles, erythema, and atrophy were found in 80 patients during the
examination at the unit. For 35 of these patients, the intraoral findings at
the unit were also given in the reports. For another 45 patients, objective
intraoral signs of reactions were found upon examination at the unit, but
these findings had not been reported. CONCLUSION: A spontaneous reporting
system is a cost-effective method for monitoring intraoral reactions
associated with dental materials. Considering the increasing number and
complexity of these materials, there appears to be a need for continuous
validation of reports by a speciality unit. In order to receive more
accurate information about the adverse reactions, it would be advisable that
the reporting forms include more detailed guidance regarding signs of
reactions that practitioners should be on the look out for and consider.

PMID: 12752546 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra
ct&list_uids=12018634

J Nephrol. 2002 Mar-Apr;15(2):171-6.Related Articles, Links

Mercury in dental restoration: is there a risk of nephrotoxicity?

Mortada WL, Sobh MA, El-Defrawy MM, Farahat SE.

Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Faculty of Science,
Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Concern has been voiced about exposure to mercury (Hg) from
dental amalgam fillings, and there is a need to assess whether this leads to
signs of nephrotoxicity. METHODS: A total of 101 healthy adults (80 males
and 21 females) were included in this study. The population as grouped into
those having amalgam fillings (39 males and 10 females) and those without
(41 males and 11 females). Hg was determined in blood, urine, hair and nails
to assess exposure. Urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin (beta2M),
N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), gamma-glutamyltransferase (gammaGT)
and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined as markers of tubular damage.
Albuminuria was assayed as an early indicator of glomerular dysfunction.
Serum creatinine, beta2M and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined to
assess glomerular filtration. RESULTS: Hg levels in blood and urine were
significantly higher in persons with dental amalgam than those without; in
the dental amalgam group, blood and urine levels of Hg significantly
correlated with the number of amalgams. Urinary excretion of NAG, gammaGT
and albumin was significantly higher in persons with dental amalgam than
those without. In the amalgam group, urinary excretion of NAG and albumin
significantly correlated with the number of fillings. Albuminuria
significantly correlated with blood and urine Hg. CONCLUSION: From the
nephrotoxicity point of view, dental amalgam is an unsuitable filling
material, as it may give rise to Hg toxicity. Hg levels in blood and urine
are good markers of such toxicity. In these exposure conditions, renal
damage is possible and may be assessed by urinary excretions of albumin,
NAG, and gamma-GT.

PMID: 12018634 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Summary Brief Abstract Citation MEDLINE ASN.1 XML/SGML LinkOut Related
Articles
Protein Links Nucleotide Links Popset Links Structure Links Genome Links
OMIM
Links Structure Domains Links

1: Stomatologiia (Mosk) 1997;76(4):9-11 Related Articles, Books[Patterns
of mercury release from amalgam fillings into the oral cavity].[Article in
Russian]Motorkina AV, Barer GM, Volozhin AI.

Seventy-five subjects aged 20 to 57 with 1 to 15 fillings of silver amalgam
were examined. The level of mercury vapors in the oral cavity was
assessed using an AGP-01 device and the method developed by the authors.
Emission of mercury vapors in the oral cavity increased with the number of
fillings.
The concentration of mercury in the oral cavity depends largely on the
number
of silver amalgam fillings and less so on these fillings' length of
service.AdvDent Res 1992 Sep;6:110-3

Related Articles, Books, LinkOut Side-effects: mercury contribution to body
burden from dental amalgam.Reinhardt JW.Department of Operative Dentistry,
University of Iowa College of Dentistry,Iowa City 52242.

The purpose of this paper is to examine and report on studies that relate
mercury levels in human tissues to the presence of dental amalgams, giving
special attention to autopsy studies. Until recently, there have been few
published studies examining the relationship between dental amalgams and
tissue mercury levels. Improved and highly sensitive tissue analysis
techniques
have made it possible to measure elements in the concentration range of
parts
per billion. The fact that mercury can be absorbed and reach toxic levels in
humantissues makes any and all exposure to that element of scientific
interest.

Dental amalgams have long been believed to be of little significance as
contributors to the overall body burden of mercury, because the elemental
form of mercury is rapidly consumed in the setting reaction of
therestoration.
Studies showing measurable elemental mercury vapor release from
dental amalgams have raised renewed concern about amalgam safety.

Mercury vapor absorption occurs through the lungs, with about 80% of the
inhaled vapor being absorbed by the lungs and rapidly entering the
bloodstream.
Following distribution by blood circulation, mercury can enter and remain in
certain tissues for longer periods of time, since the half-life of excretion
is
prolonged. Two of the primary arget organs of concern are the central
nervous
system and kidneys.

Publication Types: Review Review, Tutorial PMID: 1292449 [PubMed - indexed
for MEDLINE] 1: FASEB J 1990 Nov;4(14):3256-60 Related Articles, Books,
LinkOut
Comment in: FASEB J. 1991 Feb;5(2):236.

Whole-body imaging of the distribution of mercury released from dental
fillings
into monkey tissues.Hahn LJ, Kloiber R, Leininger RW, Vimy MJ, Lorscheider
FL.Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Faculty of
Medicine,Alberta,Canada.

The fate of mercury (Hg) released from dental "silver" amalgam tooth
fillings
into human mouth air is uncertain. A previous report about sheep revealed
uptake routes and distribution of amalgam Hg among body tissues. The present
investigation demonstrates the bodily distribution of amalgam Hg in a monkey
whose dentition, diet, feeding regimen, and chewing pattern closely resemble
those of humans.

When amalgam fillings, which normally contain 50% Hg, are made with a
tracer of radioactive 203Hg and then placed into monkey teeth, the isotope
appears
in high concentration in various organs and tissues within 4wk. Whole-body
images
of the monkey revealed that the highest levels of Hg werel ocated in
thekidney, gastrointestinal tract, and jaw.

The dental profession's advocacy of silver amalgam as a stable tooth
restorative material is not supported by these findings.PMID:2227216
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

1: Neurotoxicology 1983 Fall;4(3):201-4 Related Articles, Books,LinkOut

Mercury toxicity and dental amalgam.Wolff M, Osborne JW, Hanson AL.There
is adequate evidence that dental amalgam restorations, during and after
placement, results in the release of Hg into the patient's body. Whether the
Hg
released from amalgam is due to placement procedures, surface abrasion, orl
ater
corrosion breakdown, there is evidence that a low level Hg release continues
for years.

It is generally agreed that if amalgam was introduced today as a
restorative material, they would never pass F.D.A. approval.

With new and more accurate techniques of measuring Hg levels, especially
in tissue and blood, additional studies are necessary to relate blood-Hg
levels with dental amalgam restorations. Studies must relate existing
restorations as well as the placement of new restorations to body-Hg levels.

It is possible that we have accepted a potentially dangerous material as
being safe.

Bull Group Int Rech Sci Stomatol Odontol. 2000 May-Dec;42(2-3):88-93.Related
Articles, Links

Salivary mercury levels in healthy donors with and without amalgam fillings.

Pizzichini M, Fonzi M, Gasparoni A, Fonzi L.

Department of Biomedical Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Dental amalgam (AMG) is the most diffused dental filling material. Since it
is constituted for at least 40-45% of Hg, many questions have raised about
its safe use. Hg particles from dental amalgam dissolve in saliva and, being
ingested, they reach the blood stream through the intestinal mucosa. It has
been demonstrated that amalgam fillings continuously release Hg vapour and
that there is detectable Hg in expired and inspired air of amalgam owners.
It is not yet fully accepted that AMG fillings represent the principal
source of Hg for man and the aim of this study was to evaluate if the
mercury level in saliva: 1) was higher within people bearing dental amalgam
restorations than in people with no restorations; 2) was different between
males or females; 3) increased in relation to the surface of amalgam
restorations. The results showed a correlation between number of fillings
and salivary Hg, between amalgam surface and salivary Hg. The Authors could
finally assert that AMG fillings represented the principal source of
salivary Hg in the subjects studied.

PMID: 11799732 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/bc4r3

Caries Res. 2001 May-Jun;35(3):163-6.Related Articles, Links

Dental amalgam fillings and the amount of organic mercury in human saliva.

Leistevuo J, Leistevuo T, Helenius H, Pyy L, Osterblad M, Huovinen P,
Tenovuo J.

The National Public Health Institute, Antimicrobial Research Laboratory,
Turku University, Turku, Finland.

We studied differences in the amounts of organic and inorganic mercury in
saliva samples between amalgam and nonamalgam human study groups. The amount
of organic and inorganic mercury in whole saliva was measured in 187 adult
study subjects. The mercury contents were determined by cold-vapor atomic
absorption spectrometry. The amount of organic and inorganic mercury in
paraffin-stimulated saliva was significantly higher (p<0.001) in subjects
with dental amalgam fillings (n = 88) compared to the nonamalgam study
groups (n = 43 and n = 56): log(e) (organic mercury) was linearly related to
log(e) (inorganic mercury, r(2) = 0.52). Spearman correlation coefficients
of inorganic and organic mercury concentrations with the number of
amalgam-filled tooth surfaces were 0.46 and 0.27, respectively. Our results
are compatible with the hypothesis that amalgam fillings may be a continuous
source of organic mercury, which is more toxic than inorganic mercury, and
almost completely absorbed by the human intestine.

PMID: 11385194 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/3bp8f

1: Adv Dent Res. 1992 Sep;6:110-3.    Related Articles, Links

Side-effects: mercury contribution to body burden from dental amalgam.

Reinhardt JW.

Department of Operative Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Dentistry,
Iowa City 52242.

The purpose of this paper is to examine and report on studies that relate
mercury levels in human tissues to the presence of dental amalgams, giving
special attention to autopsy studies. Until recently, there have been few
published studies examining the relationship between dental amalgams and
tissue
mercury levels. Improved and highly sensitive tissue analysis techniques
have
made it possible to measure elements in the concentration range of parts per
billion. The fact that mercury can be absorbed and reach toxic levels in
human
tissues makes any and all exposure to that element of scientific interest.
Dental amalgams have long been believed to be of little significance as
contributors to the overall body burden of mercury, because the elemental
form
of mercury is rapidly consumed in the setting reaction of the restoration.
Studies showing measurable elemental mercury vapor release from dental
amalgams
have raised renewed concern about amalgam safety. Mercury vapor absorption
occurs through the lungs, with about 80% of the inhaled vapor being absorbed
by
the lungs and rapidly entering the bloodstream. Following distribution by
blood
circulation, mercury can enter and remain in certain tissues for longer
periods
of time, since the half-life of excretion is prolonged. Two of the primary
target organs of concern are the central nervous system and kidneys.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial
PMID: 1292449 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/2ld6k

J Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Jun;5(3):189-95.    Related Articles, Links

Apolipoprotein E genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury
neurotoxicity.

Godfrey ME, Wojcik DP, Krone CA.

Bay of Plenty Environmental Health Clinic, Tauranga, New Zealand.
godf...@wave.co.nz

Apolipoprotein-E (apo-E) genotyping has been investigated as an indicator of
susceptibility to heavy metal (i.e., lead) neurotoxicity. Moreover, the
apo-E
epsilon (epsilon)4 allele is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative
conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). A theoretical biochemical
basis
for this risk factor is discussed herein, supported by data from 400
patients
with presumptive mercury-related neuro-psychiatric symptoms and in whom
apo-E
determinations were made. A statistically relevant shift toward the at-risk
apo-E epsilon4 groups was found in the patients p<0.001). The patients
possessed a mean of 13.7 dental amalgam fillings and 31.5 amalgam surfaces.
This far exceeds the number capable of producing the maximum identified
tolerable daily intake of mercury from amalgam. The clinical diagnosis and
proof of chronic low-level mercury toxicity has been difficult due to the
non-specific nature of the symptoms and signs. Dental amalgam is the
greatest
source of mercury in the general population and brain, blood and urine
mercury
levels increase correspondingly with the number of amalgams and amalgam
surfaces in the mouth. Confirmation of an elevated body burden of mercury
can
be made by measuring urinary mercury, after provocation with
2,3,-dimercapto-propane sulfonate (DMPS) and this was measured in 150
patients.
Apo-E genotyping warrants investigation as a clinically useful biomarker for
those at increased risk of neuropathology, including AD, when subjected to
long-term mercury exposures. Additionally, when clinical findings suggest
adverse effects of chronic mercury exposure, a DMPS urine mercury challenge
appears to be a simple, inexpensive procedure that provides objective
confirmatory evidence. An opportunity could now exist for primary health
practitioners to help identify those at greater risk and possibly forestall
subsequent neurological deterioration.

PMID: 12897404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/2h6y4

Altern Med Rev. 2000 Jun;5(3):209-23.    Related Articles, Links

Environmental medicine, part three: long-term effects of chronic low-dose
mercury exposure.

Crinnion WJ.

Healing Naturally, 11811 NE 128th St., Suite 202, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA.

Mercury is ubiquitous in the environment, and in our mouths in the form of
"silver" amalgams. Once introduced to the body through food or vapor,
mercury
is rapidly absorbed and accumulates in several tissues, leading to increased
oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death. Mercury
primarily
affects neurological tissue, resulting in numerous neurological symptoms,
and
also affects the kidneys and the immune system. It causes increased
production
of free radicals and decreases the availability of antioxidants. It also has
devastating effects on the glutathione content of the body, giving rise to
the
possibility of increased retention of other environmental toxins.
Fortunately,
effective tests are available to help distinguish those individuals who are
excessively burdened with mercury, and to monitor them during treatment.
Therapies for assisting the reduction of a mercury load include the use of
2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3-dimercato-1-propanesulfonic acid
(DMPS). Additional supplementation to assist in the removal of mercury and
to
reduce its adverse effects is discussed.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial
PMID: 10869102 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/2gnwl

The future of dental amalgam: a review of the literature. Part 4: Mercury
exposure hazards and risk assessment.

Eley BM.

Periodontal Department, King's College School of Medicine & Dentistry,
London.

This is the fourth article in a series of seven on the future of dental
amalgam. It first describes toxic mercury hazards from all sources of
exposure
including dental amalgam. It begins by considering the many problems in
accurately estimating daily mercury intakes from these sources. It then
describes potential mercury hazards to industrial workers and the
calculation
of thresholds for the general public from industrial data. The implications
of
these findings to the production of a safe threshold for patients with
dental
amalgams are then discussed. It finally discusses the attempts which have
been
made to carry out a risk assessment of dental amalgam. In this connection it
reports the reviews of the United States Public Health Service in 1993, the
Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare in 1994 and the risk assessment
commissioned from Canada Health which was reported in 1995. It also includes
comments on the methods used in this last report.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial
PMID: 9185355 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/yuj39

Acupunct Electrother Res. 1996 Apr-Jun;21(2):133-60.    Related Articles,
Links

Significant mercury deposits in internal organs following the removal of
dental
amalgam, & development of pre-cancer on the gingiva and the sides of the
tongue
and their represented organs as a result of inadvertent exposure to strong
curing light (used to solidify synthetic dental filling material) &
effective
treatment: a clinical case report, along with organ representation areas for
each tooth.

http://tinyurl.com/2gnwl

1: Br J Dermatol. 1996 Mar;134(3):420-3.    Related Articles, Links

The relevance and effect of amalgam replacement in subjects with oral
lichenoid
reactions.

Ibbotson SH, Speight EL, Macleod RI, Smart ER, Lawrence CM.

Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne,
U.K.

In this study we examined the prevalence of mercury hypersensitivity in
patients with oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) and the effect of amalgam
replacement in subjects with amalgams adjacent to OLR irrespective of their
mercury sensitivity status. One hundred and ninety-seven patients with oral
problems were examined: 109 with OLR, 22 with oral and generalized lichen
planus, and 66 with other oral diagnoses, including aphthous ulcers and
orofacial granulomatosis. Nineteen per cent of patients with OLR reacted to
mercury on patch testing, significantly more than in those with generalized
lichen planus (0%) and in those with other oral diagnoses (3%). Twenty-two
patients with OLR and adjacent amalgams had amalgam replacement and, in 16
of
17 mercury-positive subjects and three of four mercury-negative subjects,
the
OLR resolved after amalgam removal. In conclusion, we found a significantly
increased prevalence of mercury hypersensitivity in patients with localized
OLR
in comparison to subjects with other oral problems. Amalgam replacement
resulted in resolution of OLR in the majority of patients with amalgams
adjacent to OLR irrespective of their mercury sensitivity status.

PMID: 8731663 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/2dp6g
  1: Psychol Rep. 1992 Jun;70(3 Pt 2):1139-51.    Related Articles, Links

A comparison of mental health of multiple sclerosis patients with
silver/mercury dental fillings and those with fillings removed.

Siblerud RL.

Rocky Mountain Research Institute, Inc., Colorado.

In this study was compared the mental health status of 47 multiple sclerosis
patients with silver/mercury tooth fillings (amalgams) to that of 50
patients
with their fillings removed. On the Beck Depression Inventory the multiple
sclerosis subjects with amalgams suffered significantly more depression
while
their scores on the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory indicated the
former
group also exhibited significantly more anger. On the SCL-90 Revised,
subjects
with amalgam fillings had significantly more symptoms of depression,
hostility,
psychotism, and were more obsessive-compulsive than the patients with such
fillings removed. On a questionnaire containing 18 mental health symptoms
multiple sclerosis subjects with amalgam fillings reported a history of 43%
more symptoms than those without amalgam fillings over the past 12 months.
These data suggested that the poorer mental health status exhibited by
multiple
sclerosis subjects with dental amalgam fillings may be associated with
mercury
toxicity from the amalgam.

PMID: 1496084 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/2ukse

The relationship between mercury from dental amalgam and mental health.

Siblerud RL.

Colorado State University, Department of Physiology, Fort Collins.

The findings presented here suggest that mercury poisoning from dental
amalgam
may play a role in the etiology of mental illness. Comparisons between
subjects
with and without amalgam showed significant differences in subjective
reports
of mental health. Subjects who had amalgams removed reported that symptoms
of
mental illness lessened or disappeared after removal. The data suggest that
inorganic mercury poisoning from dental amalgam does affect the mind and
emotions.

PMID: 2618948 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

polipoprotein-E (apo-E) genotyping has been investigated as an
indicator of susceptibility to heavy metal (i.e., lead) neurotoxicity.
Moreover, the apo-E epsilon ( varepsilon )4 allele is a major risk
factor for neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease
(AD). A theoretical biochemical basis for this risk factor is discussed
herein, supported by data from 400 patients with presumptive mercury
-related neuro-psychiatric symptoms and in whom apo-E
determinations were made. A statistically relevant shift toward the
at-risk apo-E varepsilon 4 groups was found in the patients p<0.001).
The patients possessed a mean of 13.7 dental amalgam fillings and 31.5
amalgam surfaces. This far exceeds the number capable of producing
the maximum identified tolerable daily intake of mercury from amalgam.
The clinical diagnosis and proof of chronic low-level mercury toxicity
has been difficult due to the non-specific nature of the symptoms and
signs. Dental amalgam is the greatest source of mercury in the general
population and brain, blood and urine mercury levels increase
correspondingly with the number of amalgams and amalgam surfaces
in the mouth. Confirmation of an elevated body burden of mercury
can be made by measuring urinary mercury, after provocation with
2,3,-dimercapto-propane sulfonate (DMPS) and this was measured
in 150 patients. Apo-E genotyping warrants investigation as a
clinically useful biomarker for those at increased risk of
neuropathology, including AD, when subjected to long-term mercury
exposures. Additionally, when clinical findings suggest adverse
effects of chronic mercury exposure, a DMPS urine mercury
challenge appears to be a simple, inexpensive procedure that
provides objective confirmatory evidence. An opportunity could now
exist for primary health practitioners to help identify those at greater
risk and possibly forestall subsequent neurological deterioration.
PMID: 12897404 [PubMed - in process]

JWN - please explain the following statements and enlighten me - I
thought you said amalgam was definitely safe?! Why are all these
scientists wasting society's valuable resources continuing to investigate
this "non-issue" ? (sarcasm intended)

"The patients possessed a mean of 13.7 dental amalgam fillings and
31.5 amalgam surfaces. This far exceeds the number capable of
producing the maximum identified tolerable daily intake of mercury
from amalgam"

"An opportunity could now exist for primary health practitioners to
help identify those at greater risk and possibly forestall subsequent
neurological deterioration."

= = = = = = =

Some medical practitioners prescribe GSH and vitamin C alone or in
combination with DMPS or DMSA for patients with mercury
exposure that is primarily due to the mercury vapor emitted by dental
amalgams. HYPOTHESIS: This study tested the hypothesis that
GSH, vitamin C, or lipoic acid alone or in combination with DMPS or
DMSA would decrease brain mercury. METHODS: Young rats were
exposed to elemental mercury by individual nose cone, at the rate of
4.0 mg mercury per m3 air for 2 h per day for 7 consecutive days.
After a 7-day equilibrium period, DMPS, DMSA, GSH, vitamin C,
lipoic acid alone, or in combination was administered for 7 days and
the brain and kidneys of the animals removed and analyzed for
mercury by cold vapor atomic absorption. RESULTS: None of these
regimens reduced the mercury content of the brain. Although DMPS
or DMSA was effective in reducing kidney mercury concentrations,
GSH, vitamin C, lipoic acid alone, or in combination were not.
CONCLUSION: One must conclude that the palliative effect, if any,
of GSH, vitamin C, or lipoic acid for treatment of mercury toxicity
due to mercury vapor exposure does not involve mercury
mobilization from the brain and kidney. PMID: 12870874
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

JWN - please explain the following statements and enlighten me - I
thought you said amalgam was definitely safe?! Why are all these
scientists wasting society's valuable resources continuing to investigate
this "non-issue" ? (sarcasm intended)

"...mercury exposure that is primarily due to the mercury vapor emitted
by dental amalgams"

"...for treatment of mercury toxicity due to mercury vapor exposure..."

= = = = = = =

AIMS: This paper reviews the studies, both in vivo and in vitro,
carried out for the project on low-dose effects of inorganic mercury,
financed by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Scientific and
Technological Research. RESULTS, COMMENTS AND
PROPOSAL: The results offer both innovative aspects and potential
practical applications. Particular attention is drawn to the reliability
of biomarkers of exposure [mercury in urine (HgU) and blood (HgB),
possibility of speciation] as well as to the availability of guidance
values for risk assessment (reference value, action level, biological
threshold value). In the general population, HgU and HgB levels are
significantly related to the presence of dental amalgams and to fish
consumption; nevertheless, such exposure levels do not elicit adverse
health effects on renal, immune and nervous functions, according to
the markers evaluated in the studies. The present biological threshold
values for occupational exposure appear adequate to prevent health
effects, considering the immune system, kidney and central nervous
system as the target organs. However, possible effects of low doses
of mercury on immune and neuroendocrine functions should be
further examined; moreover, consideration should be given to the risk
of consuming fish species with high Hg content, particularly
concerning the renal and central nervous system effects. Finally,
further studies should be planned on other potentially important
effects, that could not be considered in this study, such as those on
prenatal development, the cardiovascular system and the thyroid
gland. PMID: 12197280 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

JWN - please explain the following statements and enlighten me - I
thought you said amalgam was definitely safe?! Why are all these
scientists wasting society's valuable resources continuing to investigate
this "non-issue" ? (sarcasm intended)

"...HgU and HgB levels are significantly related to the presence of
dental amalgams and to fish consumption"

"However, possible effects of low doses of mercury on immune and
neuroendocrine functions should be further examined"

"Finally, further studies should be planned on other potentially important
effects, that could not be considered in this study, such as those on
prenatal development, the cardiovascular system and the thyroid gland"

http://tinyurl.com/uxrw

http://tinyurl.com/uxt2

http://tinyurl.com/uxth

http://tinyurl.com/uxtt

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/15721/story.htm

     LONDON - Dentists are more likely to suffer memory and kidney problems
which could be due to long-term exposure to mercury in tooth fillings,
doctors said today.

     A study of 180 dentists by researchers at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary
in Scotland found they had up to four times the normal level of mercury in
their urine and nails and had more kidney disorders and memory lapses than
the general public.
     "We found several differences in the health and cognitive functioning
between our dentists and the control group," Dr Ewan Macdonald said in a
report in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

     "These differences could not be directly attributed to their exposure
to mercury, but as mercury exposure at higher levels is known to cause
similar health effects an association cannot be ruled out," he added.

     Mercury has been used in dentistry for about 150 years but some
dentists and researchers believe the fillings can give off harmful vapours
that can be dangerous for dentists and patients.

     Critics of the fillings claim the mercury can poison the body and lead
to health problems affecting the kidneys and other organs and neurological
diseases such as Alzheimer's.

     But dental associations say it is safe when mixed with other metals
and there are no scientific studies to prove a link between the filling and
health problems.

     The researchers in Glasgow compared mercury levels in urine, hair and
nail samples and the results of psychomotor skills, response times, word
recall and health problems of the 180 dentists and an equal number of
volunteers.

     The dentists had higher levels of the metal in their bodies, reported
more health problems and did worse on the tests than the volunteers.

     "The prevalence of self reported renal disease and memory disorders
reflects other reports and suggests that these may be occupationally
related," Macdonald added.

http://www.zipworld.com.au/~rgammal/Are_Dentist_Really_Healthy.html

http://tinyurl.com/ccz3

Health and neuropsychological functioning of dentists exposed to mercury.

Ritchie KA, Gilmour WH, Macdonald EB, Burke FJ, McGowan DA, Dale IM,
Hammersley R, Hamilton RM, Binnie V, Collington D.

Institute of Hearing Research (Scottish Section), Glasgow Royal Infirmary,
Glasgow, Scotland, UK. k...@ihr.gla.ac.uk

OBJECTIVES: A cross sectional survey of dentists in the west of Scotland and
unmatched controls was conducted to find the effect of chronic exposure to
mercury on health and cognitive functioning. METHODS: 180 dentists were
asked to complete a questionnaire that included items on handling of
amalgam, symptoms experienced, possible influences on psychomotor function,
and the 12 item general health questionnaire. Dentists were asked to
complete a dental chart of their own mouths and to give samples of urine,
hair, and nails for mercury analysis. Environmental measurements of mercury
in dentists' surgeries were made and participants undertook a package of
computerised psychomotor tests. 180 control subjects underwent a similar
procedure, completing a questionnaire, having their amalgam surfaces
counted, giving urine, hair, and nail samples and undergoing the psychomotor
test package. RESULTS: Dentists had, on average, urinary mercury
concentrations over four times that of control subjects, but all but one
dentist had urinary mercury below the Health and Safety Executive health
guidance value. Dentists were significantly more likely than control
subjects to have had disorders of the kidney and memory disturbance. These
symptoms were not significantly associated with urinary mercury
concentration. Differences were found between the psychomotor performance of
dentists and controls after adjusting for age and sex, but there was no
significant association between changes in psychomotor response and mercury
concentrations in urine, hair, or nails. CONCLUSIONS: Several differences in
health and cognitive functioning between dentists and controls were found.
These differences could not be directly attributed to their exposure to
mercury. However, as similar health effects are known to be associated with
mercury exposure, it would be appropriate to consider a system of health
surveillance of dental staff with particular emphasis on symptoms associated
with mercury toxicity where there is evidence of high levels of exposure to
environmental mercury.

PMID: 11983843 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/dbhg9

Neurophysiological and neuropsychological function in mercury-exposed
dentists.

Shapiro IM, Cornblath DR, Sumner AJ, Uzzell B, Spitz LK, Ship II, Bloch P.

In a study of the relation between cumulative exposure to mercury and
chronic health impairment 298 dentists had their mercury levels measured by
an X-ray fluorescence technique. Electrodiagnostic and neuropsychological
findings in the dentists with more than 20 micrograms/g tissue mercury
levels were compared with those of a control group consisting of dentists
with no detectable mercury levels. 30% of the 23 high mercury dentists had
polyneuropathies. No polyneuropathies were detected in the control group.
The high mercury group had mild visuographic dysfunction; they also had more
symptom-distress than did the control group. These findings suggest that the
use of mercury as a restorative material is a health risk for dentists.

PMID: 6122938 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/msg59

Neuropsychological effects of low mercury exposure in dental staff in
Erzurum, Turkey.

Aydin N, Karaoglanoglu S, Yigit A, Keles MS, Kirpinar I, Seven N.

Ataturk Universitesi, Tip Fakultesi, Psikiyatri Anabilim Dali, 25240
Erzurum, Turkey. nmd...@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE: To carry out measurements of the Hg levels and personal exposure
in Turkish dental clinics, and to evaluate possible adverse effects on the
CNS in dental personnel. SETTING: Five dental clinics (1 private, 4 public)
in Erzurum, Turkey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 43, Hg vapour-exposed dental staff
were examined and 43 hospital employees with no known exposure to Hg acted
as the control group. Hg concentrations in plasma and urine were analysed by
atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Possible effects on the central nervous
system (CNS) were estimated by neuropsychological tests (Weschler Memory
Scale-Revised (WMS-R) and Verbal Test of Memory Processes (VTMP)) and two
self-administered questionnaires (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R)
and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)). RESULTS: The dental staff group had
higher whole blood (B-Hg) and urine (U-Hg) Hg levels than the control group.
The mean B-Hg value was 2.18 nmol/l and U-Hg was 1.17 nmol/mmol creatinine.
U-Hg had an inverse relationship with logical memory (in WMS-R test) and
total retention score (in VTMP test), and a positive relationship with
increased scores of Anxiety and Psychoticism (in SCL-90-R). CONCLUSION:
These results may represent long-term consequences of low Hg exposure. In
dentistry, to decrease toxic effects, proper Hg hygiene should be practiced
by all dental health care workers.

http://tinyurl.com/z6jhk

Behavioral effects of low-level exposure to elemental Hg among dentists.

Echeverria D, Heyer NJ, Martin MD, Naleway CA, Woods JS, Bittner AC Jr.

Battelle Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation (CPHRE), Seattle,
WA 98105, USA.

Exposure thresholds for health effects associated with elemental mercury (Hg
degree) exposure were examined by comparing behavioral test scores of 19
exposed (mean urinary Hg = 36 micrograms/l) with those of 20 unexposed
dentists. Thirty-six micrograms Hg/l is 7 times greater than the 5
micrograms Hg/l mean level measured in a national sample of dentists. To
improve the distinction between recent and cumulative effects, the study
also evaluated porphyrin concentrations in urine, which are correlated with
renal Hg content (a measure of cumulative body burden). Subjects provided an
on-site spot urine sample, were administered a 1-h assessment consisting of
a consent form, the Profile of Mood Scales, a symptom and medical
questionnaire, and 6 behavioral tests: digit-span, symbol-digit
substitution, simple reaction time, the ability to switch between tasks,
vocabulary, and the One Hole Test. Multivariate regression techniques were
used to evaluate dose-effects controlling for the effects of age, race,
gender and alcohol consumption. A dose-effect was considered statistically
significant below a p value of 0.05. Significant urinary Hg dose-effects
were found for poor mental concentration, emotional lability, somatosensory
irritation, and mood scores. Individual tests evaluating cognitive and motor
function changed in the expected directions but were not significantly
associated with urinary Hg. However, the pooled sum of rank scores for
combinations of tests within domains were significantly associated with
urinary Hg, providing evidence of subtle preclinical changes in behavior
associated with Hg exposure. Coproporphyrin, one of three urinary porphyrins
altered by mercury exposure, was significantly associated with deficits in
digit span and simple reaction time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Publication Types:
 a.. Clinical Trial
 b.. Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 7760775 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/qehsr

Women in dental surgeries: reproductive hazards in occupational exposure to
metallic mercury.

Sikorski R, Juszkiewicz T, Paszkowski T, Szprengier-Juszkiewicz T.

Clinic of Gynaecology, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academy of
Medicine, Lublin, Poland.

Eighty-one women (45 dentists and 36 dental assistants) occupationally
exposed to metallic mercury underwent a toxicoclinical examination. Total
mercury lebels (TMLs) were determined in scalp and pubic hair by cold vapour
AAS. Furthermore a detailed questionnaire study was made concerning adverse
reproductive events. TMLs in the hair of the exposed women examined exceeded
significantly those determined in the hair of 34 controls not exposed to
mercury. All exposed women had continued working during pregnancy. There was
a significant, positive association between TMLs in the hair of exposed
women and the occurrence of reproductive failures in their history. The
relation between TMLs in the scalp hair and the prevalence of menstrual
cycle disorders was statistically significant. These findings indicate that
dental work could be another occupational hazard with respect to
reproductive processes.

PMID: 3679554 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://tinyurl.com/rvmr5

Neurophysiological and neuropsychological function in mercury-exposed
dentists.

Shapiro IM, Cornblath DR, Sumner AJ, Uzzell B, Spitz LK, Ship II, Bloch P.

In a study of the relation between cumulative exposure to mercury and
chronic health impairment 298 dentists had their mercury levels measured by
an X-ray fluorescence technique. Electrodiagnostic and neuropsychological
findings in the dentists with more than 20 micrograms/g tissue mercury
levels were compared with those of a control group consisting of dentists
with no detectable mercury levels. 30% of the 23 high mercury dentists had
polyneuropathies. No polyneuropathies were detected in the control group.
The high mercury group had mild visuographic dysfunction; they also had more
symptom-distress than did the control group. These findings suggest that the
use of mercury as a restorative material is a health risk for dentists.

PMID: 6122938 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.chem-tox.com/immunesystem/dentalfillings/amalgams.htm

http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNF98SilverFillingsUpdate.htm

http://www.bioprobe.com/ReadNews.asp?article=28

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4160895.stm

BBC News World Edition Jan 10, 2005
Crematoria warned over mercury: Crematoria contribute 16% of the UK's
mercury emissions
Strict rules for crematoria to limit mercury pollution caused when tooth
fillings are vaporised have been announced by ministers.
The industry has been told mercury filtering equipment must be fitted at
crematoria by 2012 to halve emissions.
Exposure to the metal is linked to damage to the brain, nervous system and
fertility with crematoria responsible for 16% of the UK's mercury pollution.
But the industry said it was an over-reaction and would lead to price rises.
The filters are quite large and some crematoria are in small buildings that
are listed so it may not be possible to install them."
He also said the equipment, which costs ££250,000, would be too expensive
for some of the 650 crematoria in the UK.
However, he allayed fears crematoria would be forced to close - originally
it was thought one in four would not be able to cope once the new rules came
into place.
Emissions
He said the industry was setting up a "trading scheme" which would allow
crematoria without filters too buy credits off ones that do have them.
As the equipment reduces mercury emissions by up to 99% and the rules
stipulate emissions must be halved, crematoria with the equipment will be
able to make up the shortfall for crematoria without the filters.
And the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) estimated it would
add upto ££100 to the price of cremation, which currently cost between ££250
to ££350.
Alan Slater, chief executive of the NAFD, said: "What concerns us is that
bereaved families will have to bear the cost of this.
"Crematorium managers will pass the costs on but it is funeral directors who
will have to address the issue with relatives."
However, the government defended the new rules, saying that unless action
was taken mercury emissions would rise by two-thirds by 2020.
The government is committed to reducing mercury pollution under the UN Heavy
Metals Protocol.
Restrictions on other industries have already helped reduce mercury
emissions from 31.6 tonnes in 1990 to eight tonnes in 2002.
And Environment Minister Larry Whitty said: "By 2020, crematoria will be by
far the biggest single contributor to mercury emissions in this country.
"Something must be done. Our decision - on which we consulted widely -
strikes a balance between the concerns about cost to crematoria and the need
to control emissions of a substance which can damage human health and the
environment."

http://www.jg-shelton.co.uk/id14.html

http://www.toxicteeth.org/pressRoom_pastPress.cfm
http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam

Amalgam / Mercury Dental Filling Toxicity

===

http://www.valleyadvocate.com/­articles/dental.html

[no longer available--see below]

Autopsy studies in Sweden, Germany and the United States have also
established
that people with amalgams have significantly more mercury in their brains
and
kidneys than those without, and the mercury concentration increases with the
number of amalgams. Furthermore, the World Health Organization has stated
that
amalgam fillings constitute the majority of mercury exposure for people with
amalgams -- more than every other mercury source combined. This finding has
been independently verified by the national insurance program Health Canada
and
by the National Institutes of Dental Research.

http://www.acnem.org/journal/12-2_december_1993/is_dental_amalgam_safe-part_1.htm

http://www.jouglimlag.co.za/Journal%20of%20Natural%20Health%20Dental%20article.pdf

===

http://altmedangel.com/mercury.htm

13. Both Health Canada (1996) and the World Health Organization (1991)
consider dental amalgam to be the single largest source of mercury exposure
for the general public, with amalgam potentially contributing up to 84%
(WHO, 1991) of total daily intake of all forms of mercury from all sources.
Therefore, the level of exposure resulting from amalgam is not an issue of
contention. The WHO also noted that for mercury vapor, a specific
no-observed-effects level (NOEL) cannot be established i.e. no level of
mercury vapor has been found that can be considered harmless.