FDA opens a can of worms with mercury

 

1. Newsweek Artikel mit interessanten Kommentaren

Juni 2008

Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face - Amalgam Zahnfüllungen: FDA macht eine Kehrtwende

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2008/06/10/mercury-tooth-fillings-fda-does-an-about-face.aspx

 

"Dental Assistant (May 8, 2009 at 7:59 AM)

I think everyone should know that mercury can cause MS like symptoms. I have been slowly going down hill over the past 2 years, I have worked in the dental field for 17 years and both of my children have neurological disrders. My older son is autistic and my younger son has epilepsy. And now I have MS. Every woman in the office I worked showed symptoms like mine just not to th degree that I have. Amalgam fillings ar a poison!!! I fall down the stairs. I can't walk right. I can't see right. I have trouble speaking and eating. I have trouble reading and typing and I'm in pain everyday. The FDA and ADA don't want to open up a can of worms.

 

BKnot (December 19, 2008 at 11:58 PM)

During April of 2004, my wife had 9 mercury amalgam fillings replaced with composite resin.  Even though she was approximately 8 weeks pregnant at the time, her dentist insisted that the procedure posed absolutely no risk to the fetus.  Our son was born in October 2004.

Four years later, we are angered and dismayed to learn that he is heathy and ahead of his peers in language, cognitive and physical skills.  

Frankly, we were hoping for an easy paycheck at the expense of the dental industry, who has caused so much pain and suffering to humanity over the years.  I, for one, will be happy to return to the days when we can knock each other's infected, rotting teeth out of our heads with rocks, and put these charlatans out of business once and for all.

In the interim, does anybody have a suggestion as to who I could sue in this matter?  Somebody must be held responsible.

Thanks in advance. Bob

 

Poisoned (December 11, 2008 at 5:06 AM)

After a decade of severe illness, I finally found a doctor who recognized my symptoms as those of a type 4 allergic hypersensitivity to inorganic mercury filings and had me testing using the MELISA assay, which is commercially available.  More than a decade of research has proven that this inherited hypersensitivity (which is present in 10% of the population) is strongly associated with Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases:

http://www.melisa.org/articles.php

It is true that American neurologists have never heard of this, but that is probably because 95% have relied on the FDA's assurances rather than informed research concerning this topic."

 

 

2. FDA klassifiziert nach Jahren des Nichttuns Amalgam von Class 1/geringstes Risiko zu Class2/erhöhtes Risiko

Juli 2009

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171120.htm

 

Appendix I : Summary of Changes to the Classification of Dental Amalgam and Mercury

 

On July 27, 2009, FDA issued a final rule that: (1) reclassified mercury from a class I (least risk) device to class II (more risk) device; (2) classified dental amalgam as a class II device; and (3) designated a special controls guidance document for dental amalgam.

 

The special controls guidance document identifies the risks to health of dental amalgam and recommends mitigation measures to address those risks. The potential risks to health of dental amalgam identified in the guidance document are: (1) exposure to mercury; (2) toxicity and adverse tissue reaction; (3) corrosion and mechanical failure; (4) contamination; and (5) improper use. The guidance document recommends measures to mitigate these risks, including certain labeling recommendations

 

The guidance document recommends the following specific labeling:

    * Warning regarding the presence of mercury in the device and the possibility of harm if vapors are inhaled

    * Disclosure of mercury content

    * Contraindication for use in persons with a known mercury allergy or sensitivity

    * Disclosure of certain information about the physical properties of the device

    * Certain precautions with respect to use; e.g., the device is intended for single use only, it should be used with adequate ventilation, and it should not directly contact other types of metals

    * Information for use including the following, or an equivalent, statement:

 

    “Dental amalgam has been demonstrated to be an effective restorative material that has benefits in terms of strength, marginal integrity, suitability for large occlusal surfaces, and durability.1 Dental amalgam also releases low levels of mercury vapor, a chemical that at high exposure levels is well-documented to cause neurological and renal adverse health effects.2 Mercury vapor concentrations are highest immediately after placement and removal of dental amalgam but decline thereafter.

 

    Clinical studies have not established a causal link between dental amalgam and adverse health effects in adults and children age six and older. In addition, two clinical trials in children aged six and older did not find neurological or renal injury associated with amalgam use.3

 

    The developing neurological systems in fetuses and young children may be more sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of mercury vapor. Very limited to no clinical information is available regarding long-term health outcomes in pregnant women and their developing fetuses, and children under the age of six, including infants who are breastfed.

 

    The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established levels of exposure for mercury vapor that are intended to be highly protective against adverse health effects, including for sensitive subpopulations such as pregnant women and their developing fetuses, breastfed infants, and children under age six.4 Exceeding these levels does not necessarily mean that any adverse effects will occur.

 

    FDA has found that scientific studies using the most reliable methods have shown that dental amalgam exposes adults to amounts of elemental mercury vapor below or approximately equivalent to the protective levels of exposure identified by ATSDR and EPA. Based on these findings and the clinical data, FDA has concluded that exposures to mercury vapor from dental amalgam do not put individuals age six and older at risk for mercury-associated adverse health effects.

 

    Taking into account factors such as the number and size of teeth and respiratory volumes and rates, FDA estimates that the estimated daily dose of mercury in children under age six with dental amalgams is lower than the estimated daily adult dose. The exposures to children would therefore be lower than the protective levels of exposure identified by ATSDR and EPA.

 

    In addition, the estimated concentration of mercury in breast milk attributable to dental amalgam is an order of magnitude below the EPA protective reference dose for oral exposure to inorganic mercury. FDA has concluded that the existing data support a finding that infants are not at risk for adverse health effects from the breast milk of women exposed to mercury vapors from dental amalgam.”

 

The guidance document also recommends that the device and its individual components, mercury and amalgam alloy, meet the performance specifications contained in ISO 24234; 2004(E), Dentistry – Mercury and Alloys for Dental Amalgam, the recognized consensus standard identified in the guidance document.

 

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171115.htm

 

 

 

 

3. ADA zur FDA Klassifizierung: Freude bei ADA über keine größeren Beschränkungen

 

http://newswire.ascribe.org/cgi-bin/behold.pl?ascribeid=20090728.133337&time=14%2024%20PDT&year=2009&public=0

 

Tue Jul 28 14:24:26 2009 Pacific Time

      American Dental Association Statement: Food and Drug Administration Action on Dental Amalgam

 

       WASHINGTON, July 28 (AScribe Newswire) -- The American Dental Association (ADA) agrees with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision not to place any restriction on the use of dental amalgam, a commonly used cavity-filling material.

 

       The FDA ruling issued today categorizes encapsulated dental amalgam as a class II medical device, placing it in the same class as gold and tooth-colored composite fillings. The ADA has supported a class II designation for dental amalgam since 2002 when first proposed by the FDA.

 

       "The FDA has left the decision about dental treatment right where it needs to be-between the dentist and the patient," states ADA President Dr. John Findley. "This decision underscores what the ADA has long supported-a discussion between dentists and patients about the full range of treatment options to help patients make educated decisions regarding their dental care."

 

       Dental amalgam is a cavity-filling material made by combining mercury with other metals such as silver, copper and tin. Numerous scientific studies conducted over the past several decades, including two large clinical trials published in the April 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association, indicate dental amalgam is a safe, effective cavity-filling material for children and others. And, in its 2009 review of the scientific literature on amalgam safety, the ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs reaffirmed that the scientific evidence continues to support amalgam as a valuable, viable and safe choice for dental patients.

 

       "Dentists are doctors specializing in oral health care," Dr. Findley states. "We encourage people to talk with their dentists if they have any questions about their oral health."

 

       Additional information about dental amalgam and other cavity-filling materials may be found on the ADA's web site at: http://www.ada.org .

 

       ABOUT THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

 

       Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at http://www.ada.org/ .

       - - - -

       CONTACT: Fred Peterson, Chicago, 312-440-2806, petersonf@ada.org

       Robert Raible; Washington, DC; 202-789-5166; raibler@ada.org

 

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Anhang: Newsweekartikel + Kommentare

 

Full Post

Posted Tuesday, June 10, 2008 5:30 PM

Mercury Tooth Fillings: FDA Does an About Face

Sharon Begley

 

When you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair waiting to have a cavity filled, you don’t see the package the amalgam filling comes in. But if you did your eye might well be drawn to a couple of “contraindications,” med-speak for “situations in which the dentist should not use this product.” In addition to ho-hum warnings about not using the amalgam, which contains about as much mercury as a thermometer, in patients known to be allergic to amalgam (duh), the manufacturers say it should not be used in children age 6 and under, or in pregnant women.

 

The reason, of course, is that mercury is a known neurotoxin, especially dangerous to developing brains. For decades anti-mercury activists have pushed the industry to develop substitutes (so-called composites, or resins, are now available), and even to persuade people to have their fillings ripped out, but have made very little headway.

 

Now they have won a big one. In a legal settlement signed last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has changed the information on its Web site about amalgam fillings to say that they “may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetus,” and that pregnant women “should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner.” Previously, there was no such warning. The FDA also agreed to decide by next year whether mercury fillings need more regulation.

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The FDA had been dragging its feet for so long on mercury in dental fillings that even the judge, Ellen Segal Huvelle of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, castigated the agency: “This is your classic failure to act,” she said. (The case is Moms Against Mercury et al. v. Von Eschenbach, Commissioner, et al. The “et al” plaintiffs are other consumer and environmental groups, as well as state officials.)

 

In a press conference yesterday, the anti-mercury groups claimed victory: “Gone are all of FDA’s claims that no science exists that amalgam is unsafe, or that other countries have acted for environmental reasons only, or that the 2006 FDA advisory panel affirmed amalgam’s safety, all of which are untrue,” said plaintiff Michael Bender of the Mercury Policy Project.

 

The foot-dragging that the judge called the agency on has been particularly noticeable since 2006, when members of an FDA advisory panel recommended [http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/meetings/090606-summary.html ] that the agency consider informed consent for patients receiving amalgam fillings, as well as possible labeling changes restricting their use in pregnant woman and children. None of that happened, although a number of other countries are much more cautious when it comes to amalgam fillings, including Canada, France and Sweden.

 

So what does the science say about any risks posed by the mercury in amalgam fillings, which make up about 30 percent of the 150 million fillings used each year in the U.S.? Don’t bother with the many old studies concluding that they pose no risk, for until 2006 there has not been a single one following the gold-standard for this kind of research, namely, randomized controlled trials following children with and without mercury fillings for at least five years. The first (and so far only) two [click here and here ] were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in April 2006. The conclusion: after following just over 1,000 kids for five years in one study and seven years in the other, the scientists found no evidence of harmful effects. As one team put it: “no statistically significant differences were found between children in the amalgam and composite groups” in IQ, in memory abilities, in visuomotor skills. In all, “there were no statistically significant differences in adverse neuropsychological . . . effects observed over the 5-year period in children whose caries were restored using dental amalgam or composite materials . . . [a]though it is possible that very small IQ effects cannot be ruled out.”

 

Here’s where it gets interesting. The JAMA editors commissioned an editorial on the two papers. It was written by Herbert Needleman, the scientist who did more than any other to document the toxicity of lead to developing brains. He didn't exactly find the studies to be the last word on the subject, writing, “there are, as the authors clearly delineate, limits to the inferences that can be drawn from these data. It is predictable that some outside interests will expand the modest conclusions of these studies to assert that use of mercury amalgam in dentistry is risk free.” (Indeed, the American Dental Association continues to do exactly that.) “This conclusion,” Needleman said, “would be unfortunate and unscientific.”

 

Why? Even the impressive 5- and 7-year periods that the children were followed and tested may not be enough, for early exposure to toxic compounds can have effects even later in life. Said Needleman, “The hints that mercury has an effect on the aging brain emphasize” that concern. Also, even with 1,000 children the studies cannot rule out the possibility that mercury fillings cause a loss of several IQ points. Since 50 million children are walking around with amalgam fillings, “if mercury caused subtle effects in 1% of those exposed, up to 500 000 children could be affected,” Needleman pointed out.

 

One wild card here is that, as scientists are finding with so many other toxic compounds, who’s harmed depends on genes. Millions of baby-boomers with a mouth full of fillings are probably saying right about now that their brains work just fine, thank you, despite decades of living with mercury in their teeth and therefore mercury vapors wafting into the blood and brain. But “sensitivity to mercury toxicity may have a genetic basis,” Needleman wrote: variations in a gene called coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX4) “altered the impact of mercury on cognitive and mood scores. Approximately 25% of the US population” has the sensitive-to-mercury gene.

 

What to do? No one with any sense recommends having your existing mercury fillings ripped out. That’s not only costly and possibly painful, but could expose you to a big pulse of mercury. Still, surely it is reasonable to stop pretending that putting neurotoxins in our mouths-where they stay for decades, with tiny puffs of mercury being released every time we chew-is a good idea. After all, there was also a time when "experts" pooh-poohed the suspicion that lead was bad for children's brains, too.

 

 

Kommentare

 

Posted By: Dental Assistant (May 8, 2009 at 7:59 AM)

 

I think everyone should know that mercury can cause MS like symptoms. I have been slowly going down hill over the past 2 years, I have worked in the dental field for 17 years and both of my children have neurological disrders. My older son is autistic and my younger son has epilepsy. And now I have MS. Every woman in the office I worked showed symptoms like mine just not to th degree that I have. Amalgam fillings ar a poison!!! I fall down the stairs. I can't walk right. I can't see right. I have trouble speaking and eating. I have trouble reading and typing and I'm in pain everyday. The FDA and ADA don't want to open up a can of worms.

Report Abuse

Posted By: BKnot (December 19, 2008 at 11:58 PM)

 

During April of 2004, my wife had 9 mercury amalgam fillings replaced with composite resin.  Even though she was approximately 8 weeks pregnant at the time, her dentist insisted that the procedure posed absolutely no risk to the fetus.  Our son was born in October 2004.

 

Four years later, we are angered and dismayed to learn that he is heathy and ahead of his peers in language, cognitive and physical skills.  

 

Frankly, we were hoping for an easy paycheck at the expense of the dental industry, who has caused so much pain and suffering to humanity over the years.  I, for one, will be happy to return to the days when we can knock each other's infected, rotting teeth out of our heads with rocks, and put these charlatans out of business once and for all.

 

In the interim, does anybody have a suggestion as to who I could sue in this matter?  Somebody must be held responsible.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

Report Abuse

Posted By: Poisoned (December 11, 2008 at 5:06 AM)

 

After a decade of severe illness, I finally found a doctor who recognized my symptoms as those of a type 4 allergic hypersensitivity to inorganic mercury filings and had me testing using the MELISA assay, which is commercially available.  More than a decade of research has proven that this inherited hypersensitivity (which is present in 10% of the population) is strongly associated with Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases:

 

http://www.melisa.org/articles.php

 

It is true that American neurologists have never heard of this, but that is probably because 95% have relied on the FDA's assurances rather than informed research concerning this topic.

Report Abuse

Posted By: darrelldk (June 26, 2008 at 6:38 PM)

 

"I wonder if one day a study will show a tie to these mercury fillings and altzheimers?"

 

I wouldn't wager anything of value on it.

Report Abuse

Posted By: arcanum202 (June 26, 2008 at 4:47 PM)

 

I wonder if one day a study will show a tie to these mercury fillings and altzheimers?  I had most of mine taken out.  I am going to get the last few removed.  I don't trust the FDA to take care of me, or do what is right any more, no more than we can trust the USDA.  There is too many no bid contracts floating aroung, and too many people using money and lobbying to get more money, to care about the health of Americans and their children!

Report Abuse

Posted By: darrelldk (June 25, 2008 at 7:02 PM)

 

Dear Becky,

 

You say there are many new filling materials in development that will reduce or eliminate BPA totally.  Can you name one?

 

I am curious about the material because I have not heard of anything that does not include BPA as a component - other than mercury-silver alloys of course.  Even denture plastic leaches BPA.  

 

You say that we should worry about the composite fillings after we get rid of plastic drink containers.  You may not realize this, but dentists will be reluctant to place composite fillings if baby bottle makers get hammered with lawsuits because of BPA.  Your attitude does not help.

 

Both Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Sen. Charles Schumer of NY are sponsoring bills to ban bisphenol-A.  I cannot imagine an exception being made for dental composites - which are after all, in a person’s mouth 24 hours a day and immersed in saliva.

 

Since the anti-BPA advocates’ goals and your goals are mutually exclusive in dentistry, those who have attorneys’ fees tied up in the lawsuit with the FDA over amalgams should speed up their case because the anti-BPA crowd is making rapid progress.  The attorneys surely know that whoever gets their judgment in first wins everything, including attorneys’ fees.  Common sense tells us that nobody will vote on a bill that leaves Americans without any filling materials at all.  I hope I exaggerated that possibility.  Surely as a nation we are not that stupid.

 

Thanks for your response.  This is what is needed.  Open and rational discussion.  Darrell

Report Abuse

Posted By: darrelldk (June 25, 2008 at 7:02 PM)

 

Dear Becky,

 

You say there are many new filling materials in development that will reduce or eliminate BPA totally.  Can you name one?

 

I am curious about the material because I have not heard of anything that does not include BPA as a component - other than mercury-silver alloys of course.  Even denture plastic leaches BPA.  

 

You say that we should worry about the composite fillings after we get rid of plastic drink containers.  You may not realize this, but dentists will be reluctant to place composite fillings if baby bottle makers get hammered with lawsuits because of BPA.  Your attitude does not help.

 

Both Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Sen. Charles Schumer of NY are sponsoring bills to ban bisphenol-A.  I cannot imagine an exception being made for dental composites - which are after all, in a person’s mouth 24 hours a day and immersed in saliva.

 

Since the anti-BPA advocates’ goals and your goals are mutually exclusive in dentistry, those who have attorneys’ fees tied up in the lawsuit with the FDA over amalgams should speed up their case because the anti-BPA crowd is making rapid progress.  The attorneys surely know that whoever gets their judgment in first wins everything, including attorneys’ fees.  Common sense tells us that nobody will vote on a bill that leaves Americans without any filling materials at all.  I hope I exaggerated that possibility.  Surely as a nation we are not that stupid.

 

Thanks for your response.  This is what is needed.  Open and rational discussion.  Darrell

Report Abuse

Posted By: beckydutton7 (June 25, 2008 at 5:06 PM)

 

Darrell,

 

BPA does not compare to mercury for toxicity.  There are many new filling materials in development that will reduce or eliminate BPA totally.  Also, one gets more BPA from drinking from a plastic coke bottle than from a composite filling as the release of BPA is surface area dependent.  Worry about the composite fillings after we get rid of plastic drink containers.

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Posted By: darrelldk (June 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM)

 

I have noticed that the anti-amalgamists are pretty quiet.  The FDA has just turned their way.  Why are they not celebrating this?

Report Abuse

Posted By: darrelldk (June 19, 2008 at 10:43 PM)

 

GoGirl, llopinto, Bluelady, sndoverfl, nohggrandma, Sandella.lsherm47, beckydutton7, Marie Flowers who is a DAMS Activist in Virginia and mgoose811@hotmail.com all really, really dislike amalgam fillings, yet not a single one has offered a safe alternative.  Does that seem odd to anyone else?  Darrell Pruitt DDS

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Posted By: darrelldk (June 18, 2008 at 5:16 PM)

 

I think it is clear to anyone reading this discussion that there are people who have a visceral hatred of mercury.  Can any of you tell your audience if there is a alternative filling material that is safe?

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Posted By: mgoose811@hotmail.com (June 18, 2008 at 3:54 PM)

 

"Needleman wrote: variations in a gene called coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPOX4) “altered the impact of mercury on cognitive and mood scores. Approximately 25% of the US population” has the sensitive-to-mercury gene."  I am struck by this quote.  The FDA and the CDC continue to say that mercury preservatives in vaccines are harmless and have not caused autism.  But if 25% of the population has genetic mercury sensitivity, does this not contradict this position?

Report Abuse

Posted By: darrelldk (June 18, 2008 at 8:26 AM)

 

Dear Marie Flowers:  What is the safe alternative to amalgam fillings?

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Posted By: Marie Flowers (June 17, 2008 at 1:43 PM)

 

I testified before the FDA Advisory panel in 2006 when they were investigating the connection between mercury fillings and neurological diseases. You can read a detailed report of the hearing, see pictures of dentists, dental assistants, an attorney and people like myself who testified at the hearings on my web site. www.MercuryPoisoned.com

 

An Ohio attorney testified she lost her legal practice after being poisoned when a dentist drilled through a mercury filling to put in a toxic root canal. She lost her memory and left her newborn baby alone on the changing table. A dentist from Georgia testified that a blood vessel ruptured in his chest cavity because of his unprotected mercury exposure while removing mercury fillings during his career. He was furious that his dental school training did not introduce him to safe equipment to reduce his exposure to mercury vapor.

 

On my web site you can find 3 ways people are commonly poisoned from amalgam fillings, how to find and interview a safe biological dentist and how to find a doctor experienced in detoxing and treating heavy metals.

 

It is VERY DANGEROUS having these fillings removed unless the dentist has had special training in reducing his patient’s exposure to mercury vapor. He DOES NOT not learn this in dental school. However, not all dentists listed on holistic dental websites are safe. Some have their names on online list just to increase their referrals. It is very unfortunate when people are trying to find a safe dentist that they just can't go online and trust the dentist because he is listed on a holistic site. That is why you need to know how fillings should be removed safely and then interview the dentist yourself to make sure he is following the safe protocols.  

 

It is like walking through a landmine trying to find help in this subject. Most doctors know nothing about mercury toxicity from dental fillings so asking them will benefit you very little. Alternative health doctors may know about mercury toxicity but may too aggressive in their detox program. So you need to do lots of research in 1) having fillings removed safely and 2) how to detox safely.

 

DAMS (Dental Amalgam Mercury Solution) is a non profit organization that helps people find alternative health doctors and biological dentists when one is poisoned. You can receive an information packet from DAMS at 1-800-311-6265 and a list of dentists in your state. Do your homework and be safe. You health will depend on it. Even if you only have one filling removed unsafely by your hometown dentist, you could become poisoned, especially if you have a low immune system, or have other mercury exposure from vaccines, the environment, or from eating fish high in mercury.

 

Dr. Boyd Haley, chemistry professor from the University of Kentucky says dentists are giving people neurological diseases everyday.

 

For more information see www.MercuryPoisoned.com

 

Marie Flowers

 

DAMS Activist in Virginia

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Posted By: darrelldk (June 13, 2008 at 10:40 AM)

 

OK.  I see your point about mercury.  At this time, the FDA is investigating the safety of BPA - a component in composite resins and sealants.  This is the only other tooth-filling material available.  What happens if next year BPA is banned from fillings as well?  Will we have to lose teeth to simple decay?

Report Abuse

Posted By: beckydutton7 (June 13, 2008 at 3:55 AM)

 

During the 1970's I worked as a dental practice manager and nurse. I mixed amalgams for fillings every day without any personal protection equipment and throughout my pregnancy. My daughter's exposure to mercury in utero caused a neurological condition and Scoliosis. She had major spinal surgery and a titanium rod screwed into her spine. I was diagnosed with mercury poisoning in 2004 - nearly 40 years after working in a dental surgery. I now correspond and work with scientists around the world.

 

In August 2007 I created a website www.mercurymadness.org  which is full of up to date information on the devastating effect of mercury on health. Norway has banned mercury from January 1st 2008 - Sweden and Denmark are about to do the same - isn't it time we stopped using such an antiquated tooth material when composite alternative fillings are 200 times safer than amalgam?

 

Each tooth with an average amalgam filling contains between one half to three quarters of a gram of mercury i.e. between 0.5 to 0.75 grams of mercury. Most people have between 6 to 12 amalgams fillings in their mouths which amounts to 3 to 4 grams of mercury. It is a known fact that mercury crosses the placenta to the foetus; this is because mercury vapour is fat soluble and will penetrate the placental membrane.

 

In one study researchers found a significant correlation between maternal mercury-blood levels and mercury-blood levels in the newborn infant.

 

Please look on my website for more scientific facts.

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Posted By: lsherm47 (June 13, 2008 at 2:35 AM)

 

Mercury poisoning and two infected root canals destroyed my mental and physical functioning.  I sincerely hope that information about the life destroying symptoms will be made widely available and acknowledged,

 

See:

 

http://mercurypoisoningsymptoms.blogspot.com/

Report Abuse

Posted By: Sandella (June 13, 2008 at 2:23 AM)

 

14 years ago a maxillofacial surgeon put mercury on the tips of the roots of a molar during an apecoectomy procedure. I was unaware of this and began having severe facial pain on that side of my face. I was diagnosed with "trigeminal neuralgia" considered to be "the most painful disorder known to man" and coined "the suicide disease" because so many commit suicide because the pain is unbearable. My life stopped and became all about surviving the pain. A few months ago a holistic dentist discovered the mercury and extracted the tooth. He also found mercury on top of the tooth, under the crown. This was the best day of my 52 years! All my pain went away immediately and I'm pain free. Mercury is potentially devistating for people of all ages, not just pregnant women and children. So are root canals!!! I'm living proof, but that's another story! Look into Dr. George Meinig's book "Root Canal Cover-Up".

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Posted By: darrelldk (June 12, 2008 at 8:23 AM)

 

Dear nohgrandma:

 

I get the point, already.  But what are we to do?  Are there any save alternatives?

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Posted By: nohggrandma (June 12, 2008 at 12:36 AM)

 

I love the title of your article – MERCURY tooth fillings: FDA Does an About Face. Ms. Sharon Begley has done more to share the truth about mercury dental fillings than the average dentist.

 

According to a poll taken in 2006 by Zogby’s International, 76% of dental consumers still don’t know that any silver fillings in their mouths contain mercury. Shame on FDA, the American Dental Association and dentists for not telling the public the truth that silver amalgam dental fillings are 50% mercury and the many health risks of mercury fillings.  

 

Shame on the FDA for having to be sued to start doing their job.  The FDA has worked too long for the dental industry and it is long overdue and now time for the FDA to start protecting the American people and get the truth out about the dangers of mercury dental fillings.

 

I want everyone to know that every dentist has to treat mercury amalgam scrap as hazardous waste. But more significantly, every dentist that uses mercury amalgam in their practice knows that the mercury amalgam container has skull and cross bones and hazardous warnings on the label.

 

MERCURY is a poison whether it is in a thermometer, a switch or a tooth.

 

We all need to keep using the words mercury dental fillings and share the dangers of them until mercury dental fillings are banned.

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Posted By: darrelldk (June 11, 2008 at 1:56 PM)

 

I don't know about that, sndoverfl.  There are holistic therapy advocates just like you wht are saying terrible things about BPA.  All one has to do is google search bisphenol-A.  Who are we to believe?

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Posted By: sndoverfl (June 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM)

 

Darrell:

 

The dental industry has gotten a pass from the FDA dental devices division on all its fillings and other products, even though its statutory mandate is to assure safety of dental products for dental consumers.  It is run by ADA dentists who have staked their careers on protecting the use of mercury amalgam (the ADA was founded in 1859 on the controversial use of mercury fillings - the previous medical dentists had to take an oath not to use the known neurotoxin and they were run out of business).  The FDA-Dental is concerned that a product work for its intended purpose (fill a cavity and remain there).  Dentists are tooth mechanics, not toxicologists.

 

Yes - some composites contain Bisphenol-A and some purposefully leak fluoride (a whole other topic of the failure of science to win out over politics), however, there are many biocompatible products on the market.  Naturopaths can do a biocompatibility test on the products proposed for implantation in your mouth.  I personally had DiamondLite and DiamondCrown placed in my mouth, which do not contain BPA.  Despite ADA spin to the contrary, they have lasted a decade and I expect them to continue to last.

 

Go Girl:  Your speculation about Alzheimer's and mercury fillings has a lot of evidence to support it.  Scientists have found that they can cause neurofibrillar tangles, amyloid plaques and phosphloration of tau (hallmarks of Alzheimer's that pathologists look for in an autopsy) by exposing the brain to extremely low levels of mercury.

 

See this:  "Mercury / Alzheimer's Disease Connection Found

 

A study related to mercury and Alzheimer's Disease was recently completed by a team of scientists led by well-respected researcher Dr. Boyd Haley. They exposed rats to levels of mercury vapor diluted to account for size differences between humans and rats. The rats developed tissue damage "indistinguishable" from that of Alzheimer's Disease. Repeating the experiment showed the same results. Dr. Haley is quoted as saying "I'm getting the rest of my fillings taken out right now, and I've asked my wife to have hers replaced too." Also see: http://www.holistic-dentistry.com/artalzeimer.asp"  http://www.holisticmed.com/dental/amalgam/  The scientific journal article that came out of that experiment is:

 

Pendergass JC, Haley BE, et al, Mercury vapor inhalation inhibits binding of GTP to tubulin in rat brain: similarity to a molecular lesion in Alzheimer diseased brain, Neurotoxicology. 1997;18(2):315-24.

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Posted By: Bluelady (June 11, 2008 at 11:45 AM)

 

I agree with GoGirl about this maybe have some effect on us as we age, I know both my Mother and GrandMother had Alzheimer's and a mouth full of fillings.  I have a few and without becoming one of those people that worries about every little thing this is something worth considering.  Thank you for your comments and ideas.

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Posted By: darrelldk (June 11, 2008 at 8:56 AM)

 

Last night I watched a senate sub-committee debate the safety of bisphenol-A, or BPA.  BPA is a component of composites, the alternative to dental amalgams.  What happens when those are outlawed as well?  There are no reasonable alternatives.

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Posted By: llopinto (June 10, 2008 at 10:34 PM)

 

Thanks for the article, Sharon.  This is an important issue that more people should know about.

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Posted By: GoGirl (June 10, 2008 at 8:40 PM)

 

Perhaps this toxin may have some relationship to increasing Alzheimer's disease.