http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/f?./temp/~t8i2Io:7

Authors:

Gerhardsson L

Brune DK

Source: Occupational Hazards in the Health Professions, D. K. Brune and C.
Edling, Editors; Boca Raton, Florida, CRC Press, Inc., pages 307-321, 85
references, 1989

Abstract:

A review was presented of the potential hazards associated with mercury
(7439976) use in the dental industry. Several studies have demonstrated that
mercury vapor is released from amalgam fillings, particularly after chewing.
Insertion and removal of amalgam fillings by drilling was noted to increase the
excretion of mercury in the urine for several days. The concentration of this
mercury was correlated to the number of amalgam fillings in the mouth. A
correlation was also noted between the number of amalgam surfaces in the mouth
and the concentration of mercury in brain and kidneys. The risks for those
employed in this field included external and internal exposure to mercury from
the working environment and from their own dental fillings. In a study of 111
dentists and assisting personnel, no correlation was noted between blood
mercury levels and handwriting tremor. In a study of 298 dentists, 23 had head
and wrist mercury concentrations exceeding 20 micrograms/gram of tissue. Of
these 23, 30% revealed electrophysiological evidence of a subclinical
polyneuropathy not observed in the referent group. Conduction velocity along
the sensory nerve fibers was delayed in an individual intoxicated by elemental
mercury. Behavioral changes, erethism, have also been reported. A study of
deceased dentists revealed considerably higher total mercury concentrations in
the pituitary glands when compared with referents. In a study of the
relationship between mercury exposure and pregnancy outcome, no increased rates
of spontaneous abortions or congenital abnormalities were noted in the children
of men and women who were occupationally exposed to low versus high levels of
mercury.