New science challenges old notion that mercury dental amalgam is safe.

Author: Homme KG, Kern JK, Haley BE, Geier DA, King PG, Sykes LK, Geier MR.

Source: BioMetals.

Year: 2014

Comment:

The researchers reanalyze the Children's Amalgam Trials and other studies and note, "In use since the 1800s, dental amalgam has never undergone the regulatory proof-of-safety testing that is required for other medical implants under US law."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“Mercury dental amalgam has a long history of ostensibly safe use despite its continuous release of mercury vapor. Two key studies known as the Children’s Amalgam Trials are widely cited as evidence of safety. However, four recent reanalyses of one of these trials now suggest harm, particularly to boys with common genetic variants. These and other studies suggest that susceptibility to mercury toxicity differs among individuals based on multiple genes, not all of which have been identified. These studies further suggest that the levels of exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgams may be unsafe for certain subpopulations. Moreover, a simple comparison of typical exposures versus regulatory safety standards suggests that many people receive unsafe exposures. Chronic mercury toxicity is especially insidious because symptoms are variable and nonspecific, diagnostic tests are often misunderstood, and treatments are speculative at best. Throughout the world, efforts are underway to phase down or eliminate the use of mercury dental amalgam.”

Citation:

Homme KG, Kern JK, Haley BE, Geier DA, King PG, Sykes LK, Geier MR. New science challenges old notion that mercury dental amalgam is safe. BioMetals. 2014; 27(1); 19-24.