Author: Richardson GM and Canada.

Source: Medical Devices Bureau, Health Canada

Year: 1995

Comment:

This comprehensive assessment for Health Canada evaluates health risks of dental amalgam mercury and provides estimates of mercury vapor exposure per filled tooth for each of five separate age groups (toddlers, children, teens, adults, and seniors).

Abstract / Excerpt:

“There are insufficient published data on the potential health effects of dental amalgam specifically to support or refute the diverse variety of health effects attributed to it. Numerous studies constantly report effects on the central nervous system (CNS) in persons occupationally exposed to Hg. Virtually all studies failed to detect a threshold for the effects CNS measured. A tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 0.014 µg Hg/kg body weight/day was proposed for mercury vapour, the principal form of mercury to which bearers of amalgam fillings are exposed. This TDI was based on a published account of sub-clinical (i.e. not resulting in overt symptoms or medical care) CNS effects in occupationally exposed men, expressed as slight tremor of the forearm. An uncertainty factor of 100 was applied to these data, to derive a reference dose (TDI) which should, in all probability, prevent the occurrence of CNS effects in non-occupationally-exposed individuals bearing amalgam fillings.”

Author: Richardson GM and Canada.

Citation:

Richardson GM and Canada. Assessment of mercury exposure and risks from dental amalgam: Final Report. Ottowa:  Medical Devices Bureau; August 18, 1995.