Author: Richardson GM.
Source: In: Chapter 3, Amalgam and Health - New Perspectives on Risks, FORSKNINGSRÅDSNÄMNDEN (FRN; Swedish Council for Planning and Coordination of Research).
Year: 1999
Comment:
This article concludes, “Despite these uncertainties, it is apparent that the continued unconditional and unlimited use of amalgam as a dental restorative material, the placing of up to 25 amalgam fillings in one individual, is not free of potential risk. Until properly designed epidemiological investigations are conducted on an adequate number of persons with amalgam fillings, reporting no impairment of objectively measured subclinical cognitive and neurological function, the debate over amalgam safety will persist. Until such studies are conducted, the existing toxicological information suggests that amalgam use should be limited.”
Abstract / Excerpt:
“When the required studies do not exist, as is the case for amalgam, the most common approach to assessing potential risk is to compare estimated chemical intake to doses considered ‘safe,’ ‘tolerable’ or of ‘minimal risk.’ This was the approach employed in the assessment commissioned by Health Canada. This approach is not new, it is used routinely in Canada as elsewhere, and it has been applied to other medical devices. The results indicate that no credible assessment of mercury exposure, and no regulatory or other reference (acceptable, tolerable, or minimal risk) dose for mercury vapour, support the continued, unlimited placement of amalgam fillings in dental patients.”
Citation:
Richardson GM. Dental Amalgam and Mercury Exposure: Potential Patient Risks and theBasis for Restrictions on Use. In: Chapter 3, Amalgam and Health - New Perspectives on Risks, FORSKNINGSRÅDSNÄMNDEN (FRN; Swedish Council for Planning and Coordination of Research). 1999. Report 99:1, Stockholm, Sweden.