Amalgam: Eine Risikobewertung unter Berücksichtigung der neuen Literatur bis 2005

Abstract

Amalgam, which has been in use in dentistry for 150 years, consists of 50 % elemental mercury and a mixture of silver, tin, copper and zinc. Minute amounts of mercury vapour are released continuously from amalgam. Amalgam contributes substantially to human mercury load. Mercury accumulates in some organs, particularly in the brain, where it can bind to protein more tightly than other heavy metals (e. g. lead, cadmium). Therefore, the elimination half time is assumed to be up to 1 - 18 years in the brain and bones. Mercury is assumed to be one of the most toxic non-radioactive elements. There are pointers to show that mercury vapour is more neurotoxic than methyl-mercury in fish. Review of recent literature suggests that mercury from dental amalgam may lead to nephrotoxicity, neurobehavioural changes, autoimmunity, oxidative stress, autism, skin and mucosa alterations or non-specific symptoms and complaints. The development of Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis has also been linked to low-dose mercury exposure. There may be individual genetical or acquired susceptibilities for negative effects from dental amalgam. Mercury levels in the blood, urine or other biomarkers do not reflect the mercury load in critical organs. Some studies regarding dental amalgam reveal substantial methodical flaws. Removal of dental amalgam leads to permanent improvement of various chronic complaints in a relevant number of patients in various trials. Summing up, available data suggests that dental amalgam is an unsuitable material for medical, occupational and ecological reasons.

Patch Testing with Dental Screening Series in Oral Disease

“…However, no patients with oral lichen planus tested positive for mercury allergy in the present study. This might be because of the use of amalgam as a restorative material has decreased in Korea in conjunction with several studies demonstrating its hazards 14 15 . Other common allergens in the present study were gold sodium sulfate, nickel sulfate, and potassium dichromate.…”

Modelling and Simulation of Electromagnetic Radiation Effects of Mobile Phones on Teeth with an Amalgam Filling

“…New studies suggest that mercury from dental amalgam may lead to nephrotoxicity, neurobehavioral changes, oxidative stress, autism, skin and mucosa alterations or non-specific symptoms and complaints [22]. It is interesting to note that one filling per person in the USA population results in 75 -100 tons of mercury placed in people's mouths of this country.…”

Association between dental amalgam fillings and Alzheimer’s disease: a population-based cross-sectional study in Taiwan

“…AD, the most common type of dementia, is of critical importance in public health. The Alzheimer’s Association in the USA claimed there is no association between silver dental fillings (known as amalgam fillings) and AD [ 22 ]. However, the impact of amalgam fillings on the development of AD is not well understood [ 23 , 24 ].…”