Neurophysiological and neuropsychological function in mercury-exposed dentists.

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

Source: Lancet.

Year: 1982

Comment:

In this study, mercury is identified as a health risk for dentists.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“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.”

Citation:

Shapiro IM, Cornblath DR, Sumner AJ, Sptiz LK, Uzzell B, Ship II, Bloch P.  Neurophysiological and neuropsychological function in mercury-exposed dentists.  Lancet.  1982; 319(8282):1447-1150.