Associations of blood mercury, inorganic mercury, methyl mercury and bisphenol A with dental surface restorations in the US population, NHANES 2003–2004 and 2010–2012.

Author: Yin L, Yu K, Lin S, Song X, Yu X.

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.

Year: 2016

Comment:

Abstract / Excerpt:

We have found that dental surface restorations significantly contributed to the blood concentrations of THg and IHg in both periods of study, as well as MeHg in 2011–2012, after adjusting covariates such as age, education, race/ethnicity, gender, smoking, and fish consumption history. However, no association between the dental fillings and urinary BPA was found.This is the first study to demonstrate the relationship between dental fillings and body level of Hg and/or BPA in a nationally representative population. Our findings did not address the potential adverse health effects at low thresholds of mercury exposure; however, a significant correlation between the blood level of mercury and dental restoration raises major concerns about potential mercury exposure. This study provides the scientific basis for the on-going population-based risk assessment of exposure to Hg and/or BPA from dental surface restorations for the selection of safe, effective re-storative materials, especially for sensitive populations.

Citation: Yin L, Yu K, Lin S, Song X, Yu X. Associations of blood mercury, inorganic mercury, methyl mercury and bisphenol A with dental surface restorations in the US population, NHANES 2003–2004 and 2010–2012. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2016; 134:213-25.