mercury hazards in dentistry

Elemental mercury makes up about 50% of dental … All silver-colored fillings, also called “dental amalgams,” contain 45-55% metallic mercury. Metallic mercury, like other forms of mercury, occurs naturally. 1 Dental amalgams are used for 45% of all direct dental restorations worldwide, 2 and it has been estimated that these mercury-containing fillings are used on more than 50% of Americans. People with heightened sensitivity to mercury or other components of dental amalgam. Long-term use and popularity also continue to be offered as evidence of amalgam safety. Mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, after all. Carpeting should be avoided in areas where there is the potential for a mercury spill. Mercury hazards in dentistry. Dental amalgam danger exists because mercury fillings are associated with a number of human health risks. Arrangements are made by Area Pharmaceutical Store to deal with such waste, and staff there should be contacted for further information. Dental amalgam is a silver-coloured mercury-containing product that many people are familiar with. Eating fish and shellfish is associated with higher mercury levels, as is working with or handling mercury in an unprotected environment, for example, amateur smelting of gold ore. Another source of mercury in humans is vapor from the metallic mercury in dental amalgam fillings. 1. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the nervous, immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. PMID: 4530933 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] MeSH Terms So while removing mercury amalgam fillings safety protocols should be taken by dentist. Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hg) from dental amalgam fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many countries. Dental amalgam is a mixture of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin and copper. N Z Dent J. Mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic which can accumulate in the body with long term, low level exposure. Also known as 'silver fillings', amalgams are commonly used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth. As a result, dental professionals – including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office staff – … Dental professionals: In addition to their direct contact with mercury, dental professionals who work in offices that use amalgam also face high levels of mercury in the air they breathe. Symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning (tiredness, fatigue and lethargy) are difficult to identify but deaths in dental practice from acute poisoning have been reported. The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine is committed to mercury safety and believes that ALL patients should be protected from dental mercury, not just the groups listed above. Label the package clearly as a mercury hazard. 1974 Jul;70(321):166-80. 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