Personal Injury Law

Mercury Fillings May Pose Risk

By Shannon Weidemann

The FDA is now saying that the mercury found in dental fillings may pose a risk to children and unbornbabies. Amalgam fillings were believed to contain the mercury.

Amalgam fillings are made from a combination of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and zinc. The mixture is 50% mercury. It is used because it is easily molded into a tooth's cavity.

New studies have shown that mercury is released as a vapor while a person is chewing food. The effects can be minimal. The danger comes from the cumulative effect of being exposed to mercury in fish, the air, vaccines, and dental fillings.

A lawsuit was filed against the FDA over their position on mercury in dental fillings. The consumer groups and individuals that filed the lawsuit were worried about the risk of continuing to use mercury. The FDA settled the lawsuit and changed the wording on their website to reflect their new position.

According to the FDA "Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner."

Mercury exposure has been shown to cause neurological problems in developing fetuses and small children. It can cause developmental delays in motor skills and learning disabilities. Some parents and groups have linked the mercury in vaccines to Autism.

There have been no studies that prove mercury in dental fillings pose a risk to people that have them in their teeth. The FDA is now taking comments on classifying dental amalgam until July 28, 2008. Currently the proposal is to classify it as a class II device with special controls.

The FDA is not advising that people have their mercury fillings removed. Instead they urge people to talk to their dentists and decide on the right course of action on an individual basis. #

Full post as published by InjuryBoard on June 06, 2008 (boomark / email).