Abstracts of all articles
submitted by American Dental Assoc.(
***********************************
Note: the references referenced in my reviews were
sent to the FDA Panel.
***************************************************************
Review of articles on 14 pages submitted by
(most
science articles
Categorization based on
my analysis of the studies:
very
strongly anti-amalgam use(A+)
8
strongly
anti-amalgam use(A) 29
anti-amalgam
use, but poorly done(A-) 27
anti-amalgam
use, environmental (AE) 2
Neutral (N) 8
Neutral, poorly done
study (N-
Mechanical issues, not
health related 10
Not related to amalgam
use 7
pro-amalgam
use,
Dental publications,
Reviews
pro-amalgam use,
opinion, review (P/R/O/D) 29 opinion
or review article in dental journal
neutral,
opinion, review 9
anti-amalgam
use, review
2
************************************************************************
page 1
***************************************************************
Toxicol In Vitro. 2001 Aug-Oct;15(4-5):463-7.
Genotoxicity of mercury used in
chromosome aberration tests. (A-)Akiyama M,
Oshima H, Nakamura M.Department of Biomaterials,
*****************************************
The study showed that amalgam is highly genotoxic at low
levels of exposure, but was not comprehensive enough to fully assess the
pattern of genotoxicity trends by level of
exposure.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Introduction: scope and purpose of the
multicenter project " Assessment of effects due to low doses in inorganic
mercury following environmental and occupational exposure: human and in vitro
studies on specific toxicity mechanisms"][Article in Italian]Alessio L, Apostoli P, Cortesi I,
Lucchini L.Med Lav. 2002 May-Jun;93(3):148-56.
Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro, Universita degli Studi di
Brescia, p.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia.The principal aims of the project
financed by the Italian Ministry of University and Scientific and Technological
Research were: to verify if at the current limit values early biological
effects can be demonstrated; to identify the levels of internal dose that can
cause early effects; to evaluate the non-occupational factors that can
contribute to the levels of internal dose. In particular, the mercury intake
derived from dental amalgams and fish consumption was considered. The internal
dose was measured with the traditional biological indicators (urinary and blood
mercury) and with the speciation of a large percentage of biological samples by
ICP-MS. The central nervous system, neuroendocrine function, kidney and the
immune system were considered as target organs and were examined using
previously standardized indicators of effects. Two groups of subjects were
included in the study: workers with occupational exposure to inorganic mercury
in different industrial settings and control subjects identified from the
general population. The first group was characterized by an exposure level to
inorganic mercury clearly below the current limit values; whereas the HgU
levels of a relevant number of control subjects were similar to those measured
in the exposed subjects. The in vitro studies covered several issues: the
percutaneous absorption of mercury using skin derived from human post-mortem
samples in a standardized model; the release of the metal from dental amalgams
in different physiological conditions of the oral cavity; the effects of
increasing doses of mercury chloride on tubular renal cells. The project was
realized with the cooperation of seven Research Units from six Italian
Universities. Researchers belonging to Departments of Occupational Medicine,
Industrial Hygiene, General Pathology, Biochemistry, Odontology, and
Biostatistics were involved to achieve a multidisciplinary approach. The
results of this research project are described and discussed in the following
papers.****************************************************************
Urinary mercury levels in females:
influence of skin-lightening creams and dental amalgam fillings.al-Saleh I, Shinwari N.Biometals.
1997 Oct;10(4):315-23.
Biological & Medical Research Department, King Faisal
Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The influence
of application of skin-lightening creams and dental amalgam fillings on the
urinary mercury (Hg) level was evaluated in 225 females (ages 17 to 58 years)
living in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia. The arithmetic mean of the urinary
Hg level was 6.96 +/- 20.43 micrograms 1(-1), in the range 0 to 204.8
micrograms 1(-1). The mean urinary Hg level adjusted by creatinine (Cr) was
11.22 +/- 37.23 micrograms g-1 Cr, in the range 0 to 459.37 micrograms g-1. No
significant difference in urinary Hg was noted between the females regarding
the use of skin-lightening creams. On the other hand, results showed that
urinary Hg concentration was influenced by the use and number of dental amalgam
fillings. No women were identified with symptoms or signs that could be
attributed to Hg intoxication. Urine analyses for creatinine, urea, uric
acid, phosphorus, magnesium, glucose and calcium showed significant correlation
with urinary Hg. This suggests that chronic exposure to Hg may be
associated with a deterioration of renal function.********************************************************
study shows amalgam is significant source of mercury exposure and
appears to cause renal effects.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Metallothionein induction in fetal rat
brain and neonatal primary astrocyte cultures by in utero exposure to elemental
mercury vapor (Hg0).Aschner M, Lorscheider FL,
Cowan KS, Conklin DR, Vimy MJ, Lash LH. (A-)Brain Res. 1997 Dec 5;778(1):222-32.
Department of Physiology and
Pharmacology,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Adverse health effects related to
mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings: toxicological or psychological
causes? (P) (
Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of
Mental Health,
*****************************[It does not appear that the
authors were aware of or that any consideration was taken in the study to
assess well documented susceptability measures that are known to be major
factors in mercury toxicity effects for the 2 populations or to diagnose or
assess the cause of the conditions of the patients. Based on other such populations with such
conditions it is likely that if tests had been carried out, confirmation of
mercury toxicity induced effects would have been obtained in a significant
portion of the patients. The study does
not appear very
useful, since it does not appear that a serious effort was made to assess
whether the patients suffered from mercury toxicity effects.] www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Barregard L, Ellingsen D, Alexander J, Thomassen Y, Aaseth
J. (Review, N)Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1998 Jan 10;118(1):58-62.
Yrkesmedisinska Kliniken, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset,
Goteborg.Inorganic mercury is absorbed in small amounts from dental amalgam
fillings. Exposure can be calculated by measuring the level of mercury in the
blood or urine (u-Hg). The average u-Hg in Norwegians is approximately 2-3
micrograms/g creatinine (approximately 1-2 nmol/mmol creatinine).
Classic signs of mercury poisoning occur in a fraction of long-term exposed
subjects with u-Hg > 100 micrograms/g creatinine (56 nmol/mmol creatinine).
Subtle effects (e.g. enzymuria, altered selenium metabolism, and changes in
tremor spectra) have been reported in humans at average levels of 20-35
micrograms/g creatinine (approximately 11-20 nmol/mmol creatinine).
There is widespread concern about possible adverse effects of mercury from
amalgam fillings. Data on exposure-response relationships make it less likely
that low-level mercury exposure from amalgam fillings should cause symptoms or
physical signs. Studies of the association between symptoms and amalgam
fillings have been negative. Patients with symptoms allegedly caused by mercury
from amalgam should undergo thorough medical examination. Based on the
patient's symptoms and physical signs adequate time should be allowed for
careful recording of medical history, physical examination and relevant
laboratory tests.******************************
[This review appears to have been conducted by authors with
no experience at testing for and treating mercury toxicity; and who do not
appear to be aware of susceptability factors important in assessing effects of
mercury toxicity that are well known and documented in the literature. It
appears well intentioned but doesn’t appear
to have significant relevant information]
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Dimensional changes of silver and
gallium-based alloy] (
NHE, M)[Article in Portuguese]Ballester RY, Markarian RA, Loguercio
AD.Departamento de Materiais Dentarios, Faculdade de Odontologia,
USP.Gallium-based dental alloys were created with the aim of solving the
problem of toxicity of mercury. The material shows mechanical properties
similar to those of dental amalgam, but researches point out two unfavorable
characteristics: great corrosion and excessive post-setting expansion, and
the latter is capable of cracking dental structures. The aim of this study was
to evaluate, during 7 days, the in vitro dimensional alteration of a gallium
dental alloy (Galloy, SDI, Australia), in comparison with a dental amalgam
containing zinc (F400, SDI, Australia), as a function of the contact with
saline solution (0.9% NaCl) during the setting period. The storage experimental
conditions were: storage in dry environment, immersion in saline solution and
contamination during condensation. Additionally, the effects of contamination
during the trituration of dental amalgam and the effects of protecting the
surface of the gallium alloy with a fluid resin were studied. Specimens were
stored at 37 degrees C +/- 1 degree C, and measuring was carried out,
sequentially, every 24 h during 7 days. When the gallium alloy was either
contaminated or immersed, an expansion significantly greater than that observed
in the other experimental conditions was noticed after 7 days. The application
of a fluid resin to protect the surface of the cylinders was able to avoid the
increase in expansion caused by superficial moisture. The amalgam alloy did not
show significant dimensional alterations, except when it was contaminated
during trituration.************************************************
Not relevant to amalgam toxicity issues
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dental amalgam and multiple sclerosis:
a case-control study in
Epidemiology Research Unit,
Although the subpopulations for which the high odds ratios
were found were not large enough for statistical significance computations, the
study found 2.6 times more MS in patients with 15 or more fillings than in
those with none, and 1.3 times more MS in patients with amalgams for over 15
years. This is suggestive of a
connection between MS and amalgam.
Other studies have confirmed this connection and thousands diagnosed with
MS have recovered significantly after amalgam replacement and proper detoxification. www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/ms.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Page 2
Mercury in hair for a child population
from Tarragona Province, Spain.Batista
J, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL, Corbella J. (NRAmal)Sci
Total Environ. 1996 Dec 20;193(2):143-8.
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of
Medicine, Rovira i
It is well documented in the literature that hair mercury
level mostly measures methyl mercury and is not a reliable measure of mercury
vapor exposure. Also hair mercury level is inversely correlated with mercury
body burden and toxicity effects in most who are
mercury toxic
( A.S. Holmes, M.F. Blaxill and B.E. Haley, Reduced Levels of Mercury in First Baby Haircuts of Autistic Children; International Journal of Toxicology, 2003) While it is well documented that amalgam is the largest source of mercury exposure for most general populations( www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html) , it is also documented that the half life of mercury vapor in the blood is less than 10 seconds, with most transferred to cells in organs rather rapidly, with most not making it into major organs that receive the largest amount of blood. (Magos, 1989). The authors do not appear to be aware of the properties of the different forms of mercury or of the method used by those treating mercury toxicity to assess mercury toxicity using hair tests. Since mercury is documented to cause cell membrane permeability changes and poor absorption of minerals, the best indication of mercury toxicity using hair analysis looks at the essential mineral levels. If a person with normal diet has a high degree of essential mineral imbalances and deficiencies, this is a strong indication of mercury toxicity (Andrew Hall Cutler, PhD, PE; Amalgam Illness:Diagnosis and Treatment; 1996 ).
While this study is useful in pointing out the direct correlation in the general population between hair mercury level and fish consumption, it is not adequate to assess body mercury burdens or mercury toxicity effects. Other tests are necessary for these.)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Methylmercury and inorganic mercury in
serum--correlation to fish consumption and dental amalgam in a cohort of women
born in 1922.Bergdahl IA, Schutz A, Ahlqwist
M, Bengtsson C, Lapidus L, Lissner L, Hulten B.Environ Res. 1998 Apr;77(1):20-4.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,
Department of Dental Materials Science, Faculty of
Odontology,
I’m not sure that anyone had hypothesized that magnetic fields
would cause increased mercury release.
There is no obvious mechanism I could think of. But its known(and
already demonstrated by these authors and others) that electromagnetic fields
cause release of additional mercury; and the mechanism is well known and
understood. See also:
F.Schmidt et al, “Mercury in urine of employees
exposed to magnetic fields”, Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1997, 117(2):
199-202; & Granlund-Lind R, Lans M, Rennerfelt J, "Computers
and amalgam are the mostcommon causes of hypersensitivity to electricity
according to sufferers' reports", Läkartidningen 2002; 99: 682-683 (Swedish);
& Sheppard AR and EisenbudM., Biological
Effects of electric and magnetic fields
of extremely low frequency.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury vapor release from dental
amalgam in patients with symptoms allegedly caused by amalgam fillings.Berglund A, Molin M.Eur
J Oral Sci. 1996 Feb;104(1):56-63.
Department of Dental Materials Science, Faculty of
Odontology,
The authors apparently aren’t
familiar with mercury toxicity effects or the literature on mercury toxicity
effects. Thus the study was poorly
designed. It is well documented in the
medical literature that susceptability issues such as immune reactivity, liver
function, metallothionein status, detoxification/excretion ability are what determines who is affected by mercury toxicity.
While level of exposure plays a role as well, it is well
documented in the literature and clinical experience that susceptability is the
biggest issue. These susceptability
factors are measureable and it is known how to test and determine mercury toxicity. This study did not do so, so was not
useful.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury in saliva and feces
after removal of amalgam fillings.Bjorkman
L, Sandborgh-Englund G, Ekstrand J.Toxicol
Appl Pharmacol. 1997 May;144(1):156-62.
Department of Basic Oral Sciences, Karolinska Institutet,
Very good study; strongly supports banning amalgam; Shows 10
times more mercury exposure in those with amalgams; 90% decline in mercury level in feces and
saliva after amalgam replacement; ie.
(90% decline in daily exposure);
Plus rapid and significant decline in blood mercury and body burden. Strong case for amalgam
replacement.
******************************************************************
Acute contact allergy to dental
amalgam.Bleiker TO, English JS.Contact Dermatitis.
1998 Feb;38(2):112.
Department of Dermatology, Queen's Medical Centre,
*******************************
Though I don’t have a
copy, I assume it supports the common chronic and acute oral effects of
amalgam, which are well documented in the literature. It is known that amalgam commonly causes numerous
types of oral health effects including oral lichen planus and that replacing
amalgam usually cures the conditions.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/periodon.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Potential side effects of
dental amalgam restorations.
(II). No relation between mercury levels in the body and mental disorders.Bratel J, Haraldson T, Ottosson JO.Eur J Oral Sci. 1997 Jun;105(3):244-50.
Department of Endodontology/Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of
Odontology,
This was a very poorly done study. The authors apparently aren’t familiar with testing or treating mercury toxicity or with
the literature on such or on the connection of mercury to a broad spectrum of mental
disorders. The literature has well
documented that the major factors in mercury toxicity effects are
susceptability factors like immune reactivity(www.melisa.org), systemic
detoxification ability( American College
of Medical Genetics Working Group findings on ApoE4 strong connection to
Alzheimer’s, JAMA, 1995,274:1627-29. ; & Duke Univ. Medical Center,
www.genomics.duke.edu/pdf/Alzheimer.pdf & Godfrey ME, Wojcik DP, Krone
CA. Apolipoprotein E
genotyping as a potential biomarker for mercury neurotoxicity. J Alzheimers Dis. 2003 Jun;5(3):189-95. )
, other exposures,etc. The mechanisms by which low level chronic
mercury exposure causes mental conditions such as those looked at in this study
are well documented in the literature; and the fact that those treated for
mercury toxicity usually recover after treatment is also well documented in the
literature.
Depression and
anxiety:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/depress.html
Alzheimer’s :
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/alzhg.html
Autism
:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/kidshg.html
ADHD and learning
disabilities:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/tmlbn.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Potential side effects of dental
amalgam restorations.
(I). An oral and medical investigation.Bratel
J, Haraldson T, Meding B, Yontchev E, Ohman SC, Ottosson JO. Eur J Oral Sci. 1997 Jun;105(3):234-43.
Department of Endodontology/Oral Diagnosis, Faculty of
Odontology,
*********************************************************
This was
poorly done study due to lack of understanding of mercury
toxicity by authors.
The authors
apparently aren’t familiar with testing or treating
mercury toxicity or with the literature on such or on the connection of mercury
to a broad spectrum of conditions such as those described. The literature has well documented that the
major factors in mercury toxicity effects are susceptability factors like
immune reactivity(www.melisa.org), systemic
detoxification ability(
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html) , other
exposures,etc. The mechanisms by which
low level chronic mercury exposure causes conditions such as those looked at in
this study are well documented in the literature; and the fact that those
treated for mercury toxicity usually recover after treatment is also well
documented in the literature.
The study found higher levels of conditions that mercury is
well documented to cause such as
cranio-mandibular dysfunction but apparently didn’t attempt to assess the cause of the conditions or to test
for mercury toxicity.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/periodon.html
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
*****************************************************************************
Reconsidering dental amalgam.Brookfield JR. J Can Dent Assoc. 1996 Jul;62(7):547.
(Review, Opinion, Dental, Not scientifically peer-reviewed)
*********************************************************
page 3-
Urinary mercury levels before and
after amalgam restoration.Chien YC,
Feldman CA, Zohn HK, Weisel CP.
(P-)(NGS)Sci Total Environ. 1996 Sep 20;188(1):39-47.
Department of Environmental Sciences,
[ There is a large amount of research that
documents that those with amalgam have much higher levels of mercury in urine,
feces, and saliva than those without amalgam; and that exposures are commonly
above governement health guidelines for mercury.
The following is snipped from the following review that has
the documentation referenced:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
( A large NIDH study of the
( In a population of women tested In the
(Amalgam has also been found to be the largest source
of organic mercury in most people(506,79,386,220,etc.).
( After filling
replacement levels of mercury in the blood, urine, and feces typically
temporarily are increased for a few days, but levels usually decline in blood
and urine within 6 months to from 60 to 85% of the original levels(57,79,82,89,196,303).
Mercury levels in saliva and feces usually decline between 80 to 95%
(79,196,335,386))
(The number of amalgam surfaces has a
statistically significant correlation to urine mercury level
(38,49,57,76,77,79,82,83,134,138,167,176,254,303,332,335))
(The blood and urine mercury load of a person with
amalgam fillings is often 5 times that of a similar person
without.(14,16,17,79,80,82,93,136,138, 303,315,317,318) ]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Tissue response to potential root-end
filling materials in infected root canals.Chong
BS, Ford TR, Kariyawasam SP.
(A)Int Endod J. 1997 Mar;30(2):102-14.
Department of Conservative Dentistry, United Medical and
Dental Schools, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.The tissue responses to two
potential root-end filling materials, a light-cured glass ionomer cement
(Vitrebond) and a reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol cement (Kalzinol) were compared
with that to amalgam. In 27 premolar teeth of beagle dogs (54 roots), a
collection of endodontic pathogenic bacteria was first inoculated into the root
canals to induce periapical lesions. On each root, an apicectomy was performed
and root-end cavities prepared to receive fillings of each material. The teeth
and surrounding jaw were removed after 8 weeks (24 roots) and 4 weeks (30
roots); and they were prepared for histological examination. The tissue
response to amalgam fillings after 4 and 8 weeks was marked by moderate or
severe inflammation on all roots, and extended > 0.5 mm in 10 out of 18
roots. In contrast, after 8 weeks, the majority of roots filled with
Kalzinol showed little or moderate inflammation while the tissue response to
Vitrebond was the best of the three materials, and was also less extensive.
After 4 weeks, the overall best tissue response was with Kalzinol, followed
closely by Vitrebond. The differences between materials for both time periods
with either none or few inflammatory cells when compared with that with either
moderate or severe inflammation were statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Similarly, the differences between materials for both time periods with no
inflammation or inflammation extending < 0.2 mm when compared with that with
inflammation extending > 0.2 mm (< or = 0.5 mm or > 0.5 mm) were
statistically significant (P < 0.01). Both Vitrebond and Kalzinol have
potential as root-end filling materials as the tissue response was considerably
more favourable than that to amalgam
*************************************************************
Other studies have similarly found retrograde use of amalgam
causes significant harm and systemic mercury exposures(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/periodon.html)
Other countries including
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Use of inductively coupled
plasma-emission spectroscopy and mercury vapor analyses to evaluate elemental
release from a high-copper dental amalgam: a pilot study.Cohen BI, Penugonda B.
(A)J Prosthet Dent. 2001 Apr;85(4):409-12.
Essential Dental Laboratories,
The level of mercury and copper released from high
copper amalgam is as much as 50 times that of low copper amalgams(191). Studies have consistently found modern high
copper non gamma-two amalgams have a high negative current and much greater
release of mercury vapor than conventional silver amalgams and are more
cytotoxic (35,258,298,299). Clinics have found the increased toxicity and
higher exposures to be factors in increased incidence of chronic degenerative diseases(35,etc).
While the non gamma-two amalgams were developed to be less corrosive and
less prone to marginal fractures than conventional silver amalgams, they have
been found to be unstable in a different mechanism when subjected to
wear/polishing/ chewing/ brushing: they form droplets of mercury on the surface
of the amalgams(182,297). This has also
been found to be a factor in the much higher release of mercury vapor by the
modern non gamma-two amalgams. Recent
studies have concluded that because the high mercury release levels of modern
amalgams, mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings is widespread throughout the
population”(95,199,238,258). Numerous other studies also support this finding(Section IV).
References: www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Stormy weather.
(D)Conley JF. J
********************************************************************Dental amalgam: update on safety
concerns.
This report of the Council on Scientific Affairs reviews and
discusses recent studies concerning the safety of dental amalgam, with an
emphasis on studies that have been published since the 1993 review of dental
amalgam by the U.S. Public Health Service Committee to Coordinate Environmental
Health and Related Programs. The Council concludes that, based on currently
available scientific information, amalgam continues to be a safe and effective
restorative material.**********************************************
The common adverse
health effects caused by amalgam are well documented by thousands of
peer-reviewed studies in the medical literature(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Issues in design and analysis
of a randomized clinical trial to assess the safety of dental amalgam
restorations in children. (R,
NS)DeRouen TA, Leroux BG, Martin MD, Townes BD, Woods JS, Leitao J,
Castro-Caldas A, Braveman N.
Control Clin Trials. 2002 Jun;23(3):301-20.
Department of Dental Public Health
Sciences,
In vitro corrosion behavior and
microstructure examination of a gallium-based restorative.DeSchepper EJ, Oshida Y,
Indiana University School of Dentistry,
Permite.******************************
Amalgams still viable, safe treatment,
controversies notwithstanding.Dixon SE. J
Common adverse health effects are well documented in the
medical literature.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The amalgam controversy. An evidence-based
analysis. (P)(R,O,D)Dodes
JE. J Am Dent Assoc. 2001 Mar;132(3):348-56.
johndodes@aol.comBACKGROUND: There are a number of patients
and health care professionals who believe dental amalgam restorations are a
factor in a host of diseases and conditions. They have been influenced by
anecdotal case reports in the medical and dental literature, research published
in the refereed literature and media stories concerning the alleged dangers of
amalgam restorations. METHODS: The author uses an evidence-based approach in analyzing
the data both supporting and condemning the continued use of amalgam
restorations. He reviewed the articles from both peer-reviewed and
non-peer-reviewed sources and evaluated their relevance, research design and
statistical analysis, as well as whether the conclusions follow from the data.
CONCLUSIONS: There are numerous logical and methodological errors in the
anti-amalgam literature. The author concludes that the evidence supporting the
safety of amalgam restorations is compelling. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Amalgam
restorations remain safe and effective. Dentists should educate patients and
other health care professionals who may be mistakenly concerned about amalgam
safety.*****************************************************
[Amalgam is the largest source of mercury in most people(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html) and
the mechanisms by which mercury from amalgam causes over 20 chronic health
conditions is documented by thousands of medical
studies(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The mercury concentration in
breast milk resulting from amalgam fillings and dietary habits.Drexler H, Schaller KH.
(M)(Sc)Institute and
Out-patient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine of the
University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schillerstrasse 25/29,
*****************************************************
Mercury vapor readily crosses the placenta. The largest
source of mercury in the fetus of mother’s with
amalgams is from the mother’s
fillings and the fetus gets much higher levels of exposure than in the mother’s blood. Amalgam is
also documented to be the largest source of mercury in the breast milk in many
cases, with significant exposures and adverse health effects documented by
studies in the literature.
(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/fetaln.html)
Dental amalgams are the main source of mercury in
breast milk(112,186,304,339,20). Milk increases the
bioavailability of mercury(112,304,391) and mercury is
often stored in breast milk and the fetus at much higher levels than that in
the mother's tissues (19,20,22,23,61,112,186,210, 287,304). Mercury is
transferred mainly by binding to amino acids like albumin(339).
The level of mercury in breast milk was found to be significantly correlated
with the number of amalgam fillings(61,339), with milk
from mothers with 7 or more fillings having levels in milk approx. 10 times
that of amalgam-free mothers. The milk sampled ranged from 0.2 to 6.9 ug/L. Several authors suggest use of early mother’s
milk as a screen for potential problems since it is correlated both to maternal
and infant mercury levels. The highest
level is in the pituitary gland of the fetus which affects development of the
endocrine system. Levels for exposure to mercury vapor has been found to be approx 10 times that for maternal
exposure to an equivalent dose of inorganic mercury(281,287), and developmental
behavioral effects from vapor have been found at levels considerably below that
required for similar effects by methyl
mercury (20,49,119c,264,287,304,338).
The level of total mercury in nursing infants was significantly correlated
to total mercury level in maternal hair(22,541). References:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Page 4
Current materials and techniques
for direct restorations in posterior teeth. Part 1: Silver amalgam.
(R, D) Dunne SM, Gainsford ID, Wilson NH.Int Dent J. 1997 Jun;47(3):123-36.
Conservation Department, King's Dental Institute,
Doesn’t appear
to evaluate health risk in the assessment.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Neurobehavioral effects from exposure
to dental amalgam Hg(o): new distinctions between
recent exposure and Hg body burden. (A, Sc, HE)Echeverria D,
Aposhian HV, Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Aposhian MM, Bittner AC Jr, Mahurin RK, Cianciola
M.FASEB J. 1998 Aug;12(11):971-80.
Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation,
Toxicological aspects on the release
and systemic uptake of mercury from dental amalgam.Ekstrand J, Bjorkman L, Edlund C, Sandborgh-Englund G.
(A, Sc, E)Eur J Oral Sci. 1998 Apr;106(2 Pt
2):678-86.
Department of Basic Oral Sciences,
Faculty of Dentistry, Karolinska Institutet,
The study confirmed that amalgam is the largest source of
mercury exposure in most people, and that mercury exposure and body burden
levels decline rapidly and significantly after amalgam replacement. The decline in daily exposure measured by
saliva and feces level declined over 90%.
The level in blood, which is also affected by accumulated body burden declined over 60%.
This study did little to assess health effects before and after amalgam
replacement.
The common adverse health effects of mercury from amalgam
are well documented in the medical literature by hundreds of studies and
thousands of clinical cases.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html
********************************************************
The future of dental amalgam: a review
of the literature. Part 7: Possible alternative materials to amalgam for the
restoration of posterior teeth.Eley BM.
(R, D)Br Dent J. 1997 Jul 12;183(1):11-4.
Periodontal Department, King's
The study did not include a serious assessment of the
thousands of peer-reviewed studies documenting high exposures and common
adverse health effects from amalgam.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
The study did point out the serious environmental effects of
amalgam that will have to be increasing dealt with, and which are having huge
and expensive impacts on environment, commerce, and health. Amalgam is documented to be the largest
source of mercury in most sewer systems, and the level of mercury has been
found to be very high and causing huge harmful effects. Amalgam has been found to be the source of
about 15% of mercury going into the nations waterways,
fish, and wildlife. In the
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Speciation of mercury excreted in feces from
individuals with amalgam fillings.Engqvist
A, Colmsjo A, Skare I.
(A, Sc, E)Arch Environ Health. 1998 May-Jun;53(3):205-13.
Department of Toxicology and Chemistry, National Institute
for Working Life, Solna, Sweden.Investigators established methods for the
analysis of total mercury (Hg-total), oxidized mercury and mercury bound to
sulfhydryl groups (Hg-S), mercury vapor (Hg0), and mercury from amalgam
particles (APs) in fecal samples. Two individuals consumed mercury as a
mercury-cysteine complex mercury vapor, and mercury from amalgam particles, and
the cumulative excretion of mercury in feces was followed. Investigators found
that 80% of the mercury from amalgam particles and mercury bound to sulfhydryl
groups was excreted, but only 40% of the mercury vapor was excreted. Speciation
of mercury excreted in feces from 6 individuals with a moderate loading of
amalgam fillings showed that most of the mercury originating from the fillings
consisted of oxidized mercury, which was probably bound to
sulfhydryl-containing compounds. The proportion of amalgam particles in fecal
samples from these individuals was low, and it did not exceed 26% of the total
amount of mercury excreted.***********************************************
The study found that significant levels of mercury from
mercury vapor or other mercury states are absorbed and accumulated, but did not
assess the level of exposure of those with amalgam.
It has been documented that amalgam is the largest source of
mercury exposure in most people,
with absorption of significant levels of mercury vapor through
the lungs, as well as mercury from the gastrointestinal tract from saliva, and
with high levels accumulating and being dispersed through the oral mucosa and
oral cavity.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html
Mercury from
amalgam has been found to bioaccumulate in the major body organs including the
brain, heart, liver, kidneys, hormone glands, etc. and to have common
significant health effects.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury derived from dental amalgams
and neuropsychologic function.Factor-Litvak
P, Hasselgren G, Jacobs D, Begg M, Kline J, Geier J, Mervish N, Schoenholtz S,
Graziano J.Environ Health Perspect. 2003
May;111(5):719-23. (P,
Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health,
Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. prf1@columbia.eduThere is
widespread concern regarding the safety of silver-mercury amalgam dental
restorations, yet little evidence to support their harm or safety. We examined
whether mercury dental amalgams are adversely associated with cognitive
functioning in a cross-sectional sample of healthy working adults. We studied
550 adults, 30-49 years of age, who were not occupationally exposed to mercury.
Participants were representative of employees at a major urban medical center.
Each participant underwent a neuropsychologic test battery, a structured
questionnaire, a modified dental examination, and collection of blood and urine
samples. Mercury exposure was assessed using a) urinary mercury
concentration (UHg); b) the total number of amalgam surfaces; and c)
the number of occlusal amalgam surfaces. Linear regression analysis was
used to estimate associations between each marker of mercury exposure and each
neuropsychologic test, adjusting for potential confounding variables. Exposure
levels were relatively low. The mean UHg was 1.7 micro g/g creatinine (range,
0.09-17.8); the mean total number of amalgam surfaces was 10.6 (range, 0-46)
and the mean number of occlusal amalgam surfaces was 6.1 (range, 0-19). No
measure of exposure was significantly associated with the scores on any
neuropsychologic test in analyses that adjusted for the sampling design and
other covariates. In a sample of healthy working adults, mercury exposure
derived from dental amalgam restorations was not associated with any detectable
deficits in cognitive or fine motor
functioning.***********************************************
The study was not well designed to use current knowledge of
mercury toxicity effects. The authors conclusions are incorrect due to poor study design
and invalid assumptions. Susceptability
factors such as immune reactivity, genetic and other factors affecting ability
to excrete mercury, etc. are well documented in the medical literature to be
major factors in determination of mercury toxicity effects.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
It is well documented
that effects are not directly dose response related, though exposure level is also
important in effects.
(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html)
The amalgam connection to widespread and diverse forms of
neurological effects including depression, anxiety, manic-depression, memory,
ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, alzheimer’s,
Parkison’s, etc. are well documented by
hundreds of peer-reviewed studies in the medical literature, as well as by
thousands of clinical cases.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/indexa.html
********************************************************************
Fenrich J Toxicity
of Amalgams Int J Pharm Compound
********************************************************
Dental mercury amalgam: Part II. Safety of mercury amalgam.Fisher AA. Cutis. 1997 Nov;60(5):231.
**************************************************************************
Materials for restoration of primary
teeth:
Composites in the mainstream.Freedman G. Dent
*********************************************************
Mercury determination in nursing home
patients with Alzheimer's disease.Fung YK,
Meade AG, Rack EP, Blotcky AJ, Claassen JP, Beatty MW, Durham T.Gen Dent. 1996 Jan-Feb;44(1):74-8.
(P,
Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska Medical
Center, College of Dentistry, Lincoln 68538-0740, USA.Trace-element
neurotoxicity contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may
be an important etiologic factor for this disorder. This clinical study was
conducted to determine the urine concentrations of mercury (Hg) from patients with
AD disorders. Within the confines of a nursing home, all subjects were exposed
to the same environment and a diet that excluded seafood. The results of this
study do not indicate that subjects with AD have a greater body burden of Hg,
according to urinary excretion. This can be further evidence that Hg from
amalgam restorations or diet is not related to etiology and pathogenesis of AD
*****************************
Determination of blood mercury
concentrations in Alzheimer's patients.Fung
YK, Meade AG, Rack EP, Blotcky AJ, Claassen JP, Beatty MW, Durham T.J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1995;33(3):243-7. (P,
Department of Oral Biology, University of Nebraska Medical
Center,
**********************************************
The study was not well designed to assess the possible
connection of mercury exposure to Alzheimer’s. The study did not assess the most relevant variables
known from the medical literature to affect mercury neurotoxicity, body burden
or susceptability. Susceptability
factors are well documented in the literature to play a major role in mercury
neurotoxicity effects, such as immune reactivity(www.melisa.org)
and systemic detoxification ability
(
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html)
It is well documented in the medical literature that blood
mercury levels represent mostly recent exposure and are not a reliable measure
of body burden. www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr17.html
The most reliable
test for mercury body burden is the chelator challange test; with hair test
more useful than blood test for assessing body burden- but understanding that
for mercury toxic individuals, the extent of essential mineral imbalances are
more reliable measures of mercury toxicity than hair level. ( A.S. Holmes, M.F. Blaxill and B.E. Haley,
Reduced Levels of Mercury in First Baby Haircuts of Autistic Children; International
Journal of Toxicology, 2003; www.safeminds.org/ &
Andrew H. Cutler, PhD, PE; Amalgam Illness:Diagnosis and Treatment; 1996 )
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The use of amalgam in pediatric
dentistry. (R, D, M)Fuks
AB.Pediatr Dent. 2002 Sep-Oct;24(5):448-55.
Department of Pediatric Dentistry,
Study deals with technical aspects of material use
comparisons, rather than health effects.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
page 5
Elimination of mercury from amalgam in
rats.Galic N, Prpic-Mehiic G, Prester LJ,
Krnic Z, Blanusa M, Erceg D.J Trace
Elem Med Biol. 2001;15(1):1-4.
Department of Dental Pathology,
*******************************************
The study shows that amalgam causes significant exposure to
mercury, with 4 to 5 times as much mercury exposure as controls; and adverse
metabolic and kidney effects.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Influence of chewing gum consumption
and dental contact of amalgam fillings to different metal restorations on urine
mercury content][Article in German]Gebel T,
Dunkelberg H.Abteilung fur Allgemeine Hygiene und Umweltmedizin, Zentrum
Umwelt- und Arbeitsmedizin, Universitat Gottingen.It had been shown previously
by various authors that contact of amalgam fillings to metal fillings of
different type can increase the electrochemically caused amalgam corrosion in
vitro thus leading to an elevated release of mercury. So it was recommended
to renounce of a dental contact of amalgam to metal fillings of other type. One
aim of the present study was to evaluate possible influences of this contact in
vivo on the urinary mercury contents in human volunteers. Neither approximal
nor occlusal contacts had any influence on the urinary mercury excretion in
comparison to a reference group with similar amalgam status. Furthermore, the
influence of gum chewing on urinary mercury levels was taken into account. It
could be shown that the consumption of chewing gum resulted in a
significantly higher mean urinary mercury content in probands with amalgam
fillings in comparison to people with similar amalgam status (gum chewers: 1.36
Hg/24 h vs. non-chewers 0.70 microgram Hg/24 h). Thus, gum chewing has to
be considered as important parameter of influence on the urinary mercury levels
of people with amalgam fillings.****************************************************************
Chewing gum or drinking hot liquids or use of
bleaching products to whiten teeth can result in 3 to 100 times normal levels
of mercury exposure from amalgams during that period(15,35,136,199,258).
References: www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Concentrations of blood and hair
mercury and serum PCBs in an Ojibwa population that consumes Great Lakes region
fish.Gerstenberger SL, Tavris DR, Hansen
LK, Pratt-Shelley J, Dellinger JA.J Toxicol
Clin Toxicol. 1997;35(4):377-86.
Department of Preventive Medicine,
Medical
Amalgam fillings and fish consumption were both found to be
directly correlated to mercury exposure.
Hair mercury level was found to primarily measure methyl mercury. This has been documented in many other
studies. While hair mercury level tends
to be correlated with the number of amalgam fillings for those with normal
detoxification systems, hair mercury levels have been found to be inversely
correlated with exposure levels and mercury toxicity effects in those with
chronic mercury related health conditions.
( A.S.
Holmes, M.F. Blaxill and B.E. Haley, Reduced Levels of Mercury in First Baby
Haircuts of Autistic Children; International Journal of Toxicology, 2003;
www.safeminds.org/ &
Andrew H. Cutler, PhD, PE; Amalgam Illness:Diagnosis and Treatment; 1996 ) The referenced books points out that for
hair tests, the existence of multiple essential mineral imbalances and
deficiences in someone with normal diet is a strong indication of mercury
accumulation and mercury toxicity, due to mercury’s effect
on cell membrane permeability and absorption.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Pulp response in primary teeth with
deep residual caries treated with silver fluoride and glass ionomer cement
('atraumatic' technique)Gotjamanos T.Aust Dent J. 1996
Oct;41(5):328-34.
*******************************************************
(not related to amalgam issues)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Placebo response in
environmental disease.
Chelation therapy of patients with symptoms attributed to amalgam fillings.Grandjean P, Guldager B, Larsen IB, Jorgensen PJ, Holmstrup P.J Occup Environ Med. 1997 Aug;39(8):707-14.
Department of Environmental Medicine,
Mercury from amalgam has been documented by thousands of
peer-reviewed studies to cause over 30 chronic health conditions(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html)
and the majority treated by amalgam replacement(and chelation)
recover or have significant improvement. Section VI. provides
documentation on over 60,000 clinical cases of such recoveries. Not many have long term recoveries from
degenerative chronic conditions due to placebo and often its likely that
patients aren’t monitored for other factors they
might change from
normal patterns during a trial. . The
placebo effect has been much exagerated by some.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hakimi R, Comment on W. Hausotter: modern illness from the
critical viewpoint.,
Versicherungsmedizin
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
page 6
Compartmental transfer of mercury released from amalgam.
(A-)Halbach S, Kremers L, Willruth H, Mehl A, Welzl G, Wack FX,
Hickel R, Greim H.Hum Exp Toxicol. 1997 Nov;16(11):667-72.
Institute of Toxicology, GSF-National Research Center for
the Environment and Health, Neuherberg, Germany.The number of amalgam-covered
surfaces and the occlusal area of the fillings, the concentrations of total
mercury in plasma, erythrocytes and urine, the urinary excretion rate, and the
absorbed daily doses estimated by two separate methods from intra-oral Hg
emission were determined in 29 volunteers with a low amalgam load. The transfer
of Hg from the fillings via the oral cavity and blood to urinary excretion was
evaluated by multiple correlations between these variables. In addition, the
combination of variables most representative of the entire compartmental
transfer of amalgam Hg was determined. Urinary excretion (1), Hg
concentration in plasma (2) and absorbed dose (3) were most closely correlated
to each other, followed by correlations with the variables of the fillings
(4). Correlation coefficients were 0.75 for variables 1 vs 2 and 2 vs 3, and
0.49 for variables 3 vs 4. It was concluded that variables 1-3 best reflected
the transfer of mercury from amalgam fillings throughout the organism and that
they were relatively insensitive to dietary mercury. The determination of total
mercury in plasma and of its urinary excretion rate appears, under practical
aspects, most suitable for the investigation of Hg uptake from amalgam.**********************************************************
(not a very useful study, documents
that mercury from amalgam fillings is directly correlated with urine and blood
mercury)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Systemic transfer of mercury
from amalgam fillings before and after cessation of emission.
(A-)Halbach S, Kremers L, Willruth H, Mehl A, Welzl G, Wack FX,
Hickel R, Greim H.Environ Res. 1998 May;77(2):115-23.
Institute of Toxicology, Institute of Biomathematics and
Biometry,
(not a very useful study; but documents that amalgam is the
largest source of mercury in this population and daily and body mercury burden
decline significantly after amalgam replacement)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury in urine and ejaculate
in husbands of barren couples. (P)
(
Universitats-Frauenklinik,
[the connection between
mercury(from amalgam) and fertility disorders is well documented in the medical
literature by dozens of peer reviewed studies; and large numbers of infertile
couples have become fertile again after amalgam replacement and detoxification.
Since it is easy to document that mercury damages sperm levels and semen quality,
the results of this study seem unusual.
The results of this study are contrary the majority of studies on this
topic. That mercury damages semen
quality is well documented in the literature; mercury has been used as a
contraceptive because it effectively disables sperm at low levels.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/fetaln.html]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
U.S. EPA, NTIS Technical Report(EPA/452/R97/007),
Mercury study report to Congress.
Dec 1997. (A)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Product analysis of acrylic resins
compared to information given in material safety data sheets.Henriks-Eckerman ML, Kanerva L.Contact Dermatitis. 1997 Mar;36(3):164-5.
Turku Regional Institute of Occupational
Acute glomerulonephritis,
Henoch-Schonlein purpura and dental amalgam in Swedish children: a case-control
study.Herrstrom P, Hogstedt B, Aronson S,
Holmen A, Rastam L. (N)Sci Total Environ.
1996 Nov 22;191(3):277-82.
It appears that the study neither measured mercury body
burden, nor assessed mercury toxicity susceptability factos such as immune
reactivity, which have been documented in the medical literature to be factors
in such conditions. While the number of
fillings is important and positively correlated to chronic health conditions;
it is documented in the medical literature that susceptability is a bigger
factor for those with amalgam fillings.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Allergic disease, immunoglobulins,
exposure to mercury and dental amalgam in Swedish adolescents.Herrstrom P, Hogstedt B, Holthuis N, Schutz A, Rastam L.
(A-)Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1997;69(5):339-42.
Primary Care Center Hertig Knut, Halmstad, Sweden.High-dose
exposure to inorganic mercury in man can influence the immune system and in
rare cases cause immune-related disease. Some experimental animals also react
with autoimmunity after low doses of inorganic mercury. Glomerulonephritis and
an increased formation of immunoglobulin type E (IgE) are characteristic of
these reactions. A recent study of 15-year-old adolescents demonstrated an
association between immunoglobulin type A (IgA) and mercury concentration in plasma
(P-Hg). There was also an association between allergic disease and IgA
levels. The present study included 54 male and 23 female 19-year-old students
who were recruited from a cohort that had been previously defined in a survey
of allergic disease. Of the students, 39 (51%) had asthma, allergic
rhinoconjunctivitis or eczema. Similar amalgam burden and P-Hg levels were
observed in students with (n = 39) and without (n = 38) allergic disease (P =
0.48 and P = 0.98, respectively). As expected, IgE levels were significantly
higher in the group with allergic disease (P = 0.006), but there was no
association between P-Hg and IgE. The P-Hg levels were very low (median 1.50
nmol/l) and correlated significantly (r = 0.31) with the small number of
amalgam surfaces (P = 0.007). Thirty-seven students had no amalgam
fillings. P-Hg levels did not associate significantly with IgA, but did
so with IgG2 (r = 0.33; P = 0.003). No conclusive correlation was observed
between IgG2 and amalgam fillings. The findings of this study in 19-year-old
subjects differ from earlier data obtained in a sample 4 years younger. The
possibility of chance in the association between P-Hg levels and IgG2 must,
however, be considered.***************************************************
Study documented link between mercury levels and number of
amalgam fillings; also found that plasma mercury level was directly correlated
to autoimmune antibodies(IgG2). Study noted that statistical significance
level was not reached between number of amalgams and IgG2, but this could have
been because of the small sample size.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dental amalgam affects urinary
selenium excretion. (N+)Hol PJ, Vamnes JS,
Gjerdet NR, Eide R, Isrenn R.Biol Trace Elem Res. 2002 Feb;85(2):137-47.
Department of Odontology--Dental Biomaterials,
(47.5 microg) (p =
0.016). There was no difference in selenium excretion between groups with (42.4
microg) and without (39.4 microg) amalgam-related symptoms (p = 0.15). The
findings indicate that individuals exposed to low levels of elemental
mercury from dental amalgam excrete less selenium to urine than unexposed
individuals.
*****************
study simply showed that those with amalgam excrete less selenium
than those without amalgam. Apparently
did not try to assess toxicity effects or degree of heath protection of
selenium.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dental amalgam and selenium in
blood.
(N+)Hol PJ, Vamnes JS, Gjerdet NR, Eide R, Isrenn R. Environ Res. 2001 Dec;87(3):141-6.
Department of Odontology-Dental Biomaterials, University of
Bergen, Aarstadveien 17, Bergen, N-5009, Norway.It has been suggested that
selenium (Se) exhibits protective effects against mercury (Hg) toxicity in humans
due to formation of a Hg-Se complex bound to selenoprotein P in blood. The aim
of the present study was to investigate Se concentrations in persons who had
been examined with respect to general health problems associated with dental
amalgam fillings. The Se concentrations were determined in whole-blood samples
of 80 individuals by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The
subjects comprised two main groups: 21 healthy controls with amalgam fillings
and 20 patients who claimed symptoms from existing amalgam fillings. The
median concentration of Se in blood (119.2 microg/L)
was statistically significantly lower in subjects who claimed symptoms of
mercury amalgam illness than in healthy subjects with amalgam (130.3 microg/L).
The difference was more evident in individuals with more than 35 amalgam
surfaces (P=0.003). Additional control groups without amalgam fillings
comprised 19 healthy controls without amalgam experience and 20 subjects who
have had amalgam fillings removed due to suspected symptoms associated with
amalgam. The Se concentrations in these groups were not different from those
with amalgam. It is indicated that persons with ill health self-related to
dental amalgam might have a Se metabolism different from that of healthy people.********************************************
people suffering from mercury toxicity appear to have a Se
metabolism different from healthy people
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Activation of the immune system and
systemic immune-complex deposits in Brown
Department of Health and Environment,
study shows that amalgam is unstable, losing substantial mercury
into organs of body, and causing autoimmune conditions in susceptible rats.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Shedding light on amalgam.
(D, O)Horseman RE. J
**************************************************
page 7
The use of gallium-based
metal-containing filling materials as a replacement for mercury] [Article in
Russian]
(Gallium)Iankelich OV. Stomatologiia (Mosk). 1999;78(4):54-5.
******************************************************************
Impact of nocturnal bruxism on mercury
uptake from dental amalgams.Isacsson
G, Barregard L, Selden A, Bodin L.
(A-, Sc,
NVU)Eur J Oral Sci. 1997 Jun;105(3):251-7.
Orofacial Pain Clinic, Postgraduate
Dental Education Centre,
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Dentistry, amalgam, and
pollution prevention. (A, Env,D)Johnson WJ, Pichay TJ. J
California Dental Association, 1201 K St., 14th Floor,
Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.California has issued fish consumption advisories
because of mercury in lakes, reservoirs, creeks, rivers, and bays. Mercury in
these waterways leads to the formation of methylmercury, which is toxic and
bioaccumulative. Dental practices and other health care settings contribute
a portion of this mercury. Government agencies are implementing programs to
reduce mercury pollution. Dentists can reduce their contributions by
implementing best management practices. They may also consider using
pretreatment technologies as more information becomes available about their use
and effectiveness.*****************************************************************
Exposure or absorption and the
crucial question of limits for mercury.Jones
DW. J Can Dent Assoc. 1999 Jan;65(1):42-6. (P, O, D, Ext.Poor
Study)
***********************************
The study discusses obsolete standards, and apparently did
not bother to review the extensive new studies that contradict the opinions
expressed.and resulted in the newer lower standards due to studies showing
mercury toxicity effects at much lower levels than those discussed in this
paper. All of extreme opinions
expressed in the abstract are clearly contradicted by medical studies readily
available in the National Library of Medicine Medline. It is surprising that the
************************************************Mercury exposure and early effects: an
overview.Kazantzis G.Med Lav. 2002 May-Jun;93(3):139-47.
Environmental Geochemistry Research Group, Department of
Environmental Science and Technology, Imperial College of Science, Technology
& Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BP, UK.OBJECTIVES: This paper
was given as a keynote address at the conference on The Assessment of the
Effects Due to Low Doses of Inorganic Mercury following Environmental and
Occupational Exposures: Human and in vitro Studies on the Specific Mechanisms
of Toxicity in Gargnano, Italy, in September 2001. METHODS: The most relevant
literature over the past 40 years has been reviewed, and in particular, the
proceedings of the World Health Organisation conferences on the health effects
of inorganic and organic mercury exposure have been considered. RESULTS: In an
uncontaminated environment the general population is exposed to mercury vapour
from the atmosphere and from dental amalgam, while the diet, mainly from fish,
is the principal source for methyl mercury absorption. Mercury vapour release
from amalgam fillings increases with chewing, with absorption and uptake by the
brain and kidneys. Infants exposed to phenyl mercury from treated diapers and
young children ingesting mercurous chloride in teething powders have developed
acrodynia (pink disease), and Kawasaki disease and the use of mercurial skin
lightening creams has been followed by the development of the nephrotic
syndrome. Both mercury compounds and mercury vapour have given rise to contact
dermatitis in the general population. Epidemics of mercury poisoning have
followed release of mercury into the environment from industrial activity, with
uptake of methyl mercury from fish eating in
Like other studies, the study notes that mercury effects can
occur in susceptable populations at very low levels of exposure; A significant portion of the population has been found to be
susceptable by medical tests and studies, amounting to many millions of people.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Cytotoxicity of mineral
trioxide aggregate using human periodontal ligament fibroblasts. (A,
Sc) Keiser K, Johnson CC, Tipton DA.J
Endod. 2000 May;26(5):288-91.
Department of Biologic and Diagnostic Sciences, Division of
Endodontics, University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, 875 Union Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38163, USA.The purpose of the present study was to compare the
cytotoxicity of mineral trioxide aggregate (
Department of Pedodontics,
Although the study was too small to assess levels statistically,
there was a considerable and significant increase in urinary mercury exposure
levels after amalgam work.
Other studies have documented that amalgam is the largest
source of mercury in most people, and that mercury levels are often 5 times
that of those without amalgam.
(Snipped) The saliva and feces of children with amalgams have
approximately 10 times the level of mercury as children without(25,315,386,528),
and much higher levels in saliva after chewing. A group of German children with
amalgam fillings had urine mercury level 4 times that of a control group
without amalgams(76), and in a Norwegian group with
average age 12 there was a significant
correlation between urine mercury level and number of amalgam
fillings(167). The level of mercury in
maternal hair was significantly correlated to level of mercury in nursing infants(541).
References:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury concentrations in urine and
whole blood associated with amalgam exposure in a
Oral Health Promotion, Risk Factors and Molecular
Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Dental Research,
Large NIDH study of military population documents that
amalgam is the largest source of mercury in most people, that those with
amalgam get significant exposures above Federal health guideline levels.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury as a potential hazard
for the dental practitioner.Kostyniak
PJ. N Y State Dent J. 1998 Apr;64(4):40-3.
(N, O, D)
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and
Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, USA.Mercury has been used for
centuries for medical, chemical, metallurgical and electrical applications. It
is an element of mystery, which in its metallic form is an enticing silvery
liquid that can be as fascinating as it is dangerous. Its use in dental amalgam
has a potential for continuous occupational exposure of dental practitioners to
mercury vapor. It is imperative that the dental practitioner understands the
hazards associated with the use of mercury, and controls exposures to prevent
the development of any untoward effects. This article provides an overview of
the toxicology of the different forms of mercury to which human exposure occurs
and addresses safety issues associated with mercury vapor, the primary form of
mercury encountered in the practice of
dentistry.*************************************************************
That dental staff get significant
occupational exposures that commonly cause adverse health effects is well
documented in the medical literature.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/dental.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Experiences from the amalgam
unit at
The study did not appear to assess the cause of the
conditions dealt with in the patients or to review the many studies of similar
patients in the medical literature.
The study is contrary to other studies of the patients at
(
Lindh U, Hudecek R, Danersund A,
Eriksson S, Lindvall A., Removal
of dental amalgam and other metal alloys supported by antioxidant therapy alleviates symptoms
and improves quality of life in patients with amalgam-associated ill
health. Neuroendocrinol Lett 2002
Oct-Dec;23(5-6):459-82. (750 cases) )
and
of hundreds of other studies for other similar clinics.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/hgremove.html
That mercury
commonly causes depression and other mood and neurological conditions is well
documented in the medical literature.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/depress.html
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr16.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Exposure to mercury vapor and impact
on health in the dental profession in Sweden.Langworth S, Sallsten G, Barregard L, Cynkier I, Lind ML,
Soderman E.J Dent Res. 1997
Jul;76(7):1397-404.
Department of Occupational Medicine,
The study found evidence of significant effects of mercury
exposure in dental staff, like the many other studies in the medical literature
with similar findings.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/dental.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
A case of high mercury exposure from dental
amalgam. (A+)Langworth S,
Stromberg R. Eur J Oral Sci.
1996 Jun;104(3):320-1.
Dept. Occupational Medicine,
***************************************
The study shows that mercury can cause very high exposures
to mercury and adverse health effects from which the patients
mercury level declines and the patient recovers after amalgam replacement. There are many other such studies in the
literature.
L.Barregard et al, "People with high mercury
uptake from their own dental amalgam fillings", Occup Envir Med 52: 124-128, 1995; & R.
Stromberg et al, "A case of unusually high mercury exposure from amalgam
fillings", Tandlakartidningen 88(10): 570-572, 1996; & Kraub P, Deyhle M, Maier KH, Roller
HD, "Field Study on the mercury content of saliva", Heavy Metal Bull,
vol.3, issue 1, April '96; & Dr. P.Kraub & M.Deyhle, Universitat
Tubingen- Institut fur Organische Chemie, “Field Study on the Mercury Content of Saliva”, 1997
(20,000 people tested for mercury
level in saliva and health status/symptoms compiled);
www.amalgam.ukgo.com/tu.htm
&
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/hgremove.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
page 8
Larose P, Dental amalgam: tradition or evidence-based care? (A, R, D)J Can Dent Assoc. 2001 Apr;67(4):190-1.
**********************************************
Larose P, Amalgam safety.
(A, R, D) J Can Dent Assoc. 2000 Oct;66(9):476-7
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Retrograde degeneration of
neurite membrane structural integrity of nerve growth cones following in vitro
exposure to mercury. (A+, Sc)Leong
CC, Syed NI, Lorscheider FL.Neuroreport. 2001 Mar 26;12(4):733-7.
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology and
Biophysics,
******************************************
[The
"dental amalgam syndrome" - an environmental somatization Syndrome? A comparison between chronic
carbon monoxide intoxication and illness related to dental amalgam] [Article in
Danish] (R, O, NS)Leonhardt T. Dan Medicinhist Arbog. 2001;:177-86.
In 1940, during World War II, restrictions in import of
petroleum products to
Study does not review the science of mercury toxicity; nor
the other topic discussed
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lindqvist B & Mornstad H.
(A+, Sc)
Effects
of removing amalgam fillings from patients with diseases affecting the immune system. Med Sci Res 24:355-356 (1996)
ABSTRACT: "53 patients with complaints which they
attributed to their amalgam fillings, and with pathological tests indicating abnormality
of the immune system, were followed for 1-3 years after the removal of all,
part of, or none of their amalgam fillings. Within the group of 34
individuals who had all their amalgam fillings replaced, there was a
significant number of decreased antibody titres, but only two had
normalised their laboratory tests after 1-3 years. A significant improvement
in subjective symptoms occurred in 20 (59%) of cases. In the group of
patients who still had amalgam fillings, there were no statistically significant
changes in the antibody titres. It thus seems that mercury released from
amalgam fillings may initiate or support an ongoing immune disease. However. this study group was
rather heterogeneous, and had received various pharmacological treatments. Further
studies, are, therefore, needed to confirm, or refute, the results.
*************************************************************************
The majority of patients with indications of immune problems
experienced lessened immune problems per tests and subjective symptoms. Supported the conclusion that amalgam causes
immune problems and replacing amalgam alleviates such problems.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Neurotoxicity of dental amalgam
is mediated by zinc. (A, PDA)Lobner D, Asrari
M. J Dent Res.
2003 Mar;82(3):243-6.
Department of Biomedical Sciences,
In spite of the clear miswording of the abstract with
incompatible statements, the study seems to have demonstrated along with many
similar such studies that amalgam causes nerve cell toxicity
and zinc has a relationship to this toxicity. Also that some chelators can block such
amalgam related toxicity.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
In vitro
effects of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on human mononuclear cells.Loftenius A, Ekstrand J, Moller E.
Clin Exp Immunol. 1997 Dec;110(3):418-22.
Department of Basic Oral Sciences, Karolinska Institute,
Huddinge, Sweden.Due to the release of the toxic compounds of mercury from
amalgam fillings, dental amalgam has been questioned as an adequate restoration
material for tooth fillings. HgCl2 has been found to be mitogenic for human
blood lymphocytes in vitro. However, activation required much higher
concentrations than are ever found in vivo. This study has been initiated to
evaluate further the influence of HgCl2 on human immunocompetent cells in
vitro. It is found that HgCl2 in a narrow concentration range has the ability
to preferentially stimulate the CD4+ T cell subset to blast transformation
and
Study shows HgCl2 affects immune cell blast transformation
and
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acute exposure to mercury from
amalgam: no short-time effect on the peripheral blood lymphocytes in healthy
individuals. (A-, Sc)Loftenius A,
Sandborgh-Englund G, Ekstrand J.J Toxicol Environ Health A. 1998 Aug 7;54(7):547-60.
Dept. of Basic Oral Sciences,
Karolinska Institute,
Amalgam replacement caused some short term increases in
blood lymphocyte proliferation but the increase was not considered significant
by the authors. Longer term studies have
found decreases in immune effects after amalgam replacement.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Lorscheider F, Vimy M.
Mercury and idiopathic dilated
cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000 Mar 1;35(3):819-20.
Mercury linked to
heart disease
**************
The original study
being discussed by this study was: Frustaci, Andrea, et al. Marked
elevation of myocardial trace elements in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
compared with secondary cardiac dysfunction. Journal of the
**********************************************************************************************************
The study showed
that mercury appeared to be a significant problem related to congestive heart
disease
and idiopathic dilated
cardiomyopathy in some individuals.
This has also been demonstrated in heart attacks of atheletes who have
mercury exposure.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Amalgam allergy and amalgam
controversy] (P, VPDS)[Article in German]Lubbe J, Wuthrich B.Schweiz Med
Wochenschr. 1996 Apr 20;126(16):661-5.
Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitatsspital
Zurich.Safety concerns regarding dental amalgam have been voiced ever since its
introduction 150 years ago. As most people have amalgam fillings, the issue has
received extensive coverage in the lay as well as the medical medical media.
This has led to confusion about the terms amalgam allergy, mercury burden and
intoxication, and amalgam disease, an understanding of which is crucial in
consideration of this controversy. Allergy to amalgam is rare and should be
investigated by a specialist, as diagnosis may result in a decision to remove
dental amalgam. Dental amalgam is the most important source of mercury burden
in the general population. Occupational exposure to mercury within established
exposure limits reaches levels much higher without evidence of intoxication.
However, mercury released from dental amalgam induces measurable organ
effects. Amalgam disease has been introduced as a term to identify patients
who typically ascribe a variety of symptoms to their amalgam fillings. Current
literature lacks sound evidence of a role for amalgam in human disease other
than allergy.************************************************
The author states conclusions clearly not supported by
science and contradicted by a large number of peer-reviewed studies and vast
clinical test data- such as that “Allergy
to amalgam is rare”.
Actually medical labs such as Clifford Lab that does
dental material biocompatibility testing finds that over 90% show significant
immune reactivity to mercury.
[the following is snipped from
another review of the mercury allergy reactions:
Although patch
tests for mercury allergy are often given for unresolved oral allergic
symptoms, this is not generally recommended as a high percentage of such
problems are resolved irrespective of the outcome of a patch
test(87,86,90,101,168,etc.) Also using
mercury in a patch test has resulted in some adverse health effects.
Of the
over 3,000 patients with chronic conditions tested for lymphocyte reactivity to
metals(342), the following were the percentages testing positive: nickel- 34%,
inorganic mercury- 20%, phenol mercury- 13%, gold- 14%, cadmium- 16%, palladium- 13%, lead-11%. For people with autoimmune conditions such as
Other studies
have also found relatively high rates of allergic reactions to inorganic
mercury and nickel(81,35,445,456). For groups with suspected autoimmune diseases
such as neurological problems,
A patch test was given to a large group of medical
students to assess factors that lead to sensitization to mercury(132). 13% tested positive for allergy to
mercury. In a population of dental
students tested, 44% were positive for allergy to mercury(156).
References: www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Mercury and dental amalgam fillings] [Article in
Norwegian]Lygre GB, Gronningsaeter AG, Gjerdet NR.
(A-,
Det odontologiske fakultet Universitetet i Bergen.During
1993-95 a total of 169 patients (112 women, 57 men) with a wide range of
complaints associated with earlier or present amalgam fillings were seen by the
"Dental Biomaterials Adverse Reaction Unit" in
The authors showed that the level of mercury in urine is
directly related to the number of amalgam fillings and those without fillings
have significantly lower mercury levels than those with fillings. The authors analysis
of health effects relation to mercury level was comprimised by the fact that
they assumed that mercury toxicity effects are only related to dose, even
though there is documentation in the literature that susceptability factors
such as immune reactivity and ability to detoxify metals are at least as
important factor as dose.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html
The Government
in
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Study on the significance of mercury
accumulation in the brain from dental amalgam fillings through direct
mouth-nose-brain transport] [Article in German]
Zentralbl Hyg
Umweltmed. 1996 Feb;198(3):275-91. Abteilung
Allgemeine Hygiene und Umwelthygiene, Hygiene-Institut der Universitat
Tubingen.The transport of mercury (Hg) from the oro-nasal to the cranial cavity
via a direct route was investigated. In 55 deceased persons, Hg concentrations
were measured in the olfactory bulb and the trigeminal ganglion, and the number
of dental amalgam fillings was assessed. For the purpose of comparison, Hg
concentrations were also determined in the occipital lobe cortex, the pituitary
gland and the kidney cortex. Quantitative Hg analysis was performed by cold
vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy after acid digestion using high pressure
microwave treatment. In the olfactory bulb (geom. mean 17.4 micrograms/kg w.
w.), the Hg concentration was significantly higher than in the occipital lobe
cortex (geom. mean 9.2 micrograms/kg w. w.) (p <
0.0001). No significant difference was found between the Hg concentration in
the trigeminal ganglion (geom. mean 12 micrograms/kg w. w.) and the occipital
lobe cortex (alpha = 0.005; p = 0.0342). Regression analysis did not reveal a
statistically significant correlation between the number of dental amalgam
fillings and the Hg content in the olfactory bulb and the trigeminal ganglion,
respectively (alpha = 0.01). Therefore, these results do not support the
hypothesis of a significant flow o Hg from dental amalgam fillings to the
cranial cavity by a direct oro-nasal route. In contrast, a statistically
significant correlation exists between the number of dental amalgam fillings
and the Hg concentration in the kidney cortex (r2 = 0.317; p < 0.0001),
and, to a lesser extent, the Hg concentration in the occipital lobe cortex
(r2 = 0.17; p = 0.0016). The highest Hg concentrations (geom. mean 93.1
micrograms/kg w. w.) were detected in the kidney cortex, followed by the
pituitary gland (geom. mean 30.0 micrograms/kg w. w.). In this study, Hg
concentration in the pituitary gland did not correlate with the number of
dental amalgam fillings.**************************
The study found that the number of amalgam fillings is
significantly correlated with the concentration of mercury in the kidney cortex
and brain occipital lobe cortex. This
and many other studies have found much higher levels of mercury in areas of the
brain and the pituitary gland than for those without amalgam. The following is snipped from another review:
[Some mercury entering
nasal passages is absorbed directly into the olfactory lobe and brain without
coming from blood(34,35,182,222,348,364). Mercury also is transported along the axons
of nerve fibers (5,25,34,35,327,329). Mercury (especially mercury vapor) rapidly crosses the
blood brain barrier and is stored
preferentially in the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, hypothalamus, and occipital cortex in direct
proportion to the number and extent of dental amalgam surfaces
(1,14,16,19,20,25,34,38,50,61,85,99,162,211,273,274,287, 327,348,360,366,
369) Thus mercury has a greater effect
on the functions of these areas. Studies have documented that mercury causes
hypothyroidism(50,390,35), damage of thyroid RNA(458), autoimmune thyroiditis
(369,382,91) and impairment of conversion of thyroid T4 hormone to the active
T3 form(369,382,459,35,50d,91).
References:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/amalg6.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury exposure from dental amalgam
fillings: absorbed dose and the potential for adverse health effects.Mackert JR Jr, Berglund A.
(R, O,
One author appears to be a paid lobbyist on the amalgam
issue. The authors make extreme
statements clearly not supported by science.
They quote very obsolete standards and don’t appear
to have reviewed recent studies related to mercury exposure levels from amalgam
or of levels documented to cause adverse health effects.
It is well
documented in the medical literature that amalgam is the largest source of
mercury in most people, and exposures commonly exceed
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Histological study of periapical
tissue healing in the rat molar after retrofilling with various materials.
(A-)(Sc)Maeda H, Hashiguchi I, Nakamuta H, Toriya Y, Wada N, Akamine
A.Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, Faculty of
Dentistry,
The study tests alternative retrograde filling materials for
biocompatiblity since amalgam has been found to cause significant adverse
health effects and government health agencies in Canada and Europe advise
against its use, as do some amalgam manufacturer safety data sheets. Composite filling materials were found to be
much more biocompatible than amalgam.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Page 9
Cytotoxicity of root perforation
repair materials.Makkawy HA, Koka S, Lavin MT,
Ewoldsen NO. (A-, RG, Sc)J Endod.
1998 Jul;24(7):477-9.
Department of Surgical Specialties, University of Nebraska
Medical Center College of Dentistry,
Physical and mental problems
attributed to dental amalgam fillings: a descriptive study of 99 self-referred
patients compared with 272 controls.Malt
UF, Nerdrum P, Oppedal B, Gundersen R, Holte M, Lone J.Psychosom Med. 1997 Jan-Feb;59(1):32-41.
Department of Psychosomatic and Behavioural Medicine,
National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.OBJECTIVE: The physical and mental
symptomatology of 99 self-referred patients complaining of multiple somatic and
mental symptoms attributed to dental amalgam fillings were compared with
patients with known chronic medical disorders seen in alternative (N = 93) and
ordinary (N = 99) medical family practices and patients with dental amalgam
fillings (N = 80) seen in an ordinary dental practice. METHOD: The assessments
included written self-reports, a 131-item somatic symptom checklist; Eysenck
Personality Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and Toronto
Alexithymia Scale. RESULTS: The dental amalgam sample reported significantly
more physical symptoms from all body regions. Self-reports suggested that
62% suffered from a chronic anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder or
panic). Forty-seven percent suffered from a major depression compared with 14%
in the two clinical-comparison samples and none in the dental control sample.
Symptoms suggesting somatization disorder were found in 29% of the dental
amalgam sample compared with only one subject in the 272 comparison subjects.
One third of the dental amalgam patients reported symptoms of chronic fatigue
syndrome compared with none in the dental control sample and only 2 and 6%,
respectively, in the two clinical comparison samples. The dental amalgam group
reported higher mean neuroticism and lower lie scores than the comparison groups.
CONCLUSION: Self-referred patients with health complaints attributed to dental
amalgam are a heterogeneous group of patients who suffer multiple symptoms and
frequently have mental disorders. There is a striking similarity with the
multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome.***************************************
The sample reporting problems related to amalgam had
numerous physical and psychological conditions that are well documented in the
medical literature to be caused by mercury, such as
chronic fatique and
fibromyalgia(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/cfsfm.html)
depression and anxiety(www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/depress.html)
This study documented the symptoms of the groups, but
apparently made no attempt to assess the extent of mercury immune reactivity or
other measures of mercury toxicity used to assess the cause of such
conditions. Most of the symptoms listed
are consistent with
immune reactivity to mercury(www.melisa.org).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Serotonin production in lymphocytes
and mercury intolerance.Marcusson
JA, Cederbrant K, Gunnarsson LG. (A-,
Department of Dermatology, Haukelands
Sykehus, Postboks 1, 5021,
The sample sizes were much to small
to assess statistical significance, but differences were found based on mercury
dose and between tolerant and intolerant groups.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Psychological and somatic subjective
symptoms as a result of dermatological patch testing with metallic mercury and
phenyl mercuric acetate.Marcusson
JA. Toxicol Lett. 1996 Feb;84(2):113-22. (A-) (Sc)
Department of Dermatology, Huddinge University Hospital,
Sweden.Sixty patients with a history of malaise over the ensuing weeks
following the drilling out of old amalgam fillings were included in the study.
They were tested epicutaneously weekly (standard procedure) with either 0.5%
metallic mercury in petrolatum or 0.01% phenyl mercuric acetate in water, and,
on 2 separate occasions, with only saline or petrolatum as a control according
to a randomized double-blind protocol. The presence or absence of an allergic
patch test response was read on day 3. Two patients showed allergic cutaneous
responses towards metallic mercury and 1 to phenyl mercuric acetate. There was
a concurrent 7-day self-registration of subjective psychological and somatic
symptoms, using a validated visual analogue scale (minor symptom evaluation
profile; MSE). In the group analysis it was clearly shown that the patients
reacted with subjective symptoms to phenyl mercuric acetate. A reaction to test doses of metallic
mercury seems to exist but could only be visualized when a scoring system was
elaborated to individually define those subjects with a psychological and
somatic response to test doses of mercury. This psychosomatic reactivity,
named intolerance, seems to be unrelated to the cutaneous delayed allergic skin
response. Thus, it might be possible to identify patients intolerant to small
test doses of percutaneously penetrating mercury (previously considered
innocuous). These findings may have a bearing on the systemic side-effects
attributed to mercury released from amalgam tooth fillings.****************************************
It is well documented in the medical literature that
susceptability is a major factor in mercury toxicity effects, with immune
reactivity being a major susceptability factor.
It would appear this likely explains some of the results seen in this
paper.
(
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/suscept.html)
(A later study by these authors also had relevant
results. “ The results indicate that the oxidative
metabolism and, in particular, superoxide dismutase may be perturbed in
mercury-intolerant patients. “ Marcusson JA, Carlmark B, Jarstrand C. Mercury intolerance in
relation to superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and the
nitroblue tetrazolium responses.
Environ Res. 2000 Jun;83(2):123-8. )
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Indium and iridium allergy in patients
exposed to dental alloys.Marcusson
JA, Cederbrant K, Heilborn J.Contact Dermatitis. 1998 May;38(5):297-8.
Department of Dermatology,
J A Marcusson & C Jarstrand: Oxidative metabolism of neutrophils in
vitro and human mercury intolerance (1998).
*************************************************************************
Dissolution of mercury from
dental amalgam at different pH values.Marek
M.
J Dent Res. 1997 Jun;76(6):1308-15. School of
Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
30332-0245, USA.Dissolution of mercury from dental amalgam has been shown to be
diminished by the formation of a tin oxide film on the surface of the
mercury-rich gamma 1 phase (Marek, 1990b). Since tin oxides dissolve at low pH
values (Deltombe et al., 1974), acidic conditions in the oral cavity may cause
an increase in the mercury release. The purpose of this study was to determine
the effect of acidity in the range of pH 1 to pH 8 on the rate of mercury
dissolution in synthetic saliva from tin-free and tin-containing gamma 1 phase
and two commercial dental amalgams. The tested hypothesis was that pH affects
mercury dissolution only when a protective oxide film dissolves in an acidic
environment. After exposures of the specimens for 2 hr or 24 hr in sealed glass
bottles, the solutions were analyzed by flameless atomic absorption
spectrophotometry for mercury and silver. The results have shown pH-independent
mercury dissolution in the range of pH 3 to 8, and a much faster dissolution at
pH 1. At all pH values, more mercury dissolved from the tin-free phase than
from the tin-containing phase, and the rate of dissolution was lowest for the
dental amalgams. The results were affected by the length of the test
exposure. The pH independence in a wide range of pH values has been
attributed to the atomic mechanism of mercury dissolution. The low rate of
mercury dissolution from specimens containing tin has been explained by the
formation of a barrier tin oxide film, which dissolved only at the lowest pH.
Dissolution of silver at low pH values is believed to have accelerated
dissolution of mercury from the tin-free gamma 1 phase. Variation of the
dissolution rate with concentration of the dissolved species and kinetics of
oxide film dissolution caused the effect of the exposure period.********************************
Biological monitoring and
exposure to mercury.Mason HJ, Hindell P, Williams
NR. (A-)Occup Med (Lond). 2001 Feb;51(1):2-11.
Health & Safety Laboratory,
Occupational exposure to mercury in
dentistry and dentist mortality.McComb D. J Can Dent
Assoc. 1997 May;63(5):372-6. (N, R, O)
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry,
While this study is called a review of health of dentists,
it does not appear that much of the medical literature was reviewed. Hardly any
of the many studies finding adverse health effects are reviewed. The authors make broad statements, apparently
without having reviewed the literature.
That adverse health effects are common among dentists and dental staff
over time is well documented in the medical literature:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/dental.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Alloy electrodes with high hydrogen
overvoltage for analytical use in voltammetry. Some
preliminary results.Mikkelsen O, Schroder KH.Analyst. 2000 Dec;125(12):2163-5.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department
of Chemistry, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.Liquid mercury and liquid diluted
mercury amalgams have been the major electrode systems employed in voltammetry
and related methods. This is mainly due to their high overvoltage to hydrogen,
which enables the determination of heavy metals (zinc, nickel, cobalt, etc.)
and other species with high negative half-wave potentials; the toxicity of
mercury and liquid diluted mercury leads to ever increasing restrictions
in their use. The use of such systems may even be forbidden in the future,
at least in online systems for work in the field. Recent work, carried out in
our laboratory, has demonstrated that a non-toxic solid dental amalgam may be
used as the electrode material, conveniently replacing mercury. An extension of
this work has shown that electrode materials comprising a metal or a compound
with low hydrogen overvoltage change their hydrogen overvoltage properties
substantially when contaminated with even small amounts of metals or compounds
which show high hydrogen overvoltage. This extends greatly the range of potentially
available electrode systems and thereby analytical possibilities of
voltammetry. This new discovery also makes it possible to produce solid
electrodes that have high overvoltage to hydrogen without any use of mercury.*********************************************
doesn’t seem relevant to the mercury amalgam dental issue
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
[Dental amalgam and multiple
sclerosis: what is the connection?][Article
in French] Moreau T, Loudenot
V. Presse Med. 1999 Sep 4;28(25):1378-80. (P, R,
Service de Neurologie, Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon.BACKGROUND: There is some debate concerning a possible
relationship between dental fillings and multiple sclerosis. Many patients ask
their dentist to remove fillings. TOXICITY: Dental fillings contain mercury
(more than 50%) which can cross the blood-brain barrier. Massive mercurial
intoxication is neurotoxic both for the central and peripheral nervous system. Dental
fillings release as much mercury in 24 hours as is ingested in a normal meal,
i.e. a level well under the neurotoxicity level. RELATIONSHIP: Mercurial
poisoning is histologically, clinically, immunologically, and toxicollogically
different from multiple sclerosis. Based on data available today, it is not
warranted to propose removing dental fillings.************************************
It does not appear that the authors attempted a serious
review of the literature, but mainly expressed opinions. For example, they state “Dental fillings release as much mercury in 24 hours as is
ingested in a normal meal” without
any documentation. But it is clear that
the statement is false, as World Health Organization Environmental Criteria 118
and hundreds of peer-reviewed articles have documented that amalgam is by far a
larger source of mercury exposure than food:
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mercury in dental restoration: is
there a risk of nephrotoxicity?Mortada WL, Sobh MA, El-Defrawy MM, Farahat SE.J Nephrol. 2002 Mar-Apr;15(2):171-6.
Urology and
*******************************
The study
further demonstrates, like many other studies, that amalgam is the largest
source of mercury in most people and also causes adverse effects on the
kidneys. A study with similar findings
was: (al-Saleh I, Shinwari N. Urinary mercury levels in females: influence
of dental amalgam fillings. Biometals 1997;
10(4): 315-23);
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10
Moss ME, Myers GJ, Davidson PW, Pothin H, Cox C, Clarkson
TW, Prenatal mercury vapor exposure
from dental restorations in a cohort with high methylmercury exposure- design
issues.
Am J Epidemiol , June 2001
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Localized cellular inflammatory
responses to subcutaneously implanted dental mercury.Nadarajah V, Neiders ME, Aguirre A,
Cohen RE. (A,
Sc)J Toxicol Environ Health. 1996 Oct 11;49(2):113-25.
Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dental
Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo 14214, USA.Previous
reports have demonstrated mercury accumulation and toxicity in oral tissues
following exposure to mercury vapor from dental amalgam restorations. In
the present study, inflammatory responses to subcutaneously administered
mercury were assessed histopathologically and immunocytochemically in a rat
model system. A panel of six well-characterized monoclonal antibodies specific
for monocytes, macrophage subsets, T and B lymphocytes, and major
histocompatibility complex (
********************************
The study shows that amagam commonly causes persistent
chronic inflamation and allergic reactions in oral tissues.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^In
vitro cytotoxicity of amalgams made with binary Hg-In liquid alloys.Nakajima H,
Wataha JC, Rockwell LC, Okabe T.Dent Mater. 1997 May;13(3):168-73.
Department of Biomaterials Science,
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The statement is
the work of a federation of dental organizations and did not represent
scientific consensus of any independent group of scientists or WHO
scientific consensus.
The scientific consensus of the WHO scientific panel is
represented by WHO Environmental Criteria 118, which states among other things
that amalgam is the largest source of mercury exposure in most people.
www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/damspr1.html
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Reports from the Conseil d'Evaluation
des Technologies de la Sante du Quebec (CETS). The safety of dental amalgam: a state-of-the-art review.Int J Technol Assess Health Care. 1997 Fall;13(4):639-42. (R, O, D)
**************************************************************
Do we need more research on the safety of amalgam and other
materials, JADA, July 1996.
(R,O,D)
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Resistance of the normal human
microflora to mercury and antimicrobials after exposure to mercury from dental
amalgam fillings. (A-, Sc)Edlund C, Bjorkman
L, Ekstrand J, Sandborgh-Englund G, Nord CE.Clin Infect Dis. 1996 Jun;22(6):944-50.
Department of Microbiology, Karolinska Institute,
Although the sample sizes were very small and too small for
most statistical significance calculations, the study found that mercury
exposure was directly related to the number of amalgam fillings and
antimicrobial resistance was increased for amalgam population compared to non
amalgam population.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Significant mercury deposits in internal organs following
the removal of dental amalgam, & development of pre-cancer on the gingiva
and the sides of the tongue and their represented organs as a result of
inadvertent exposure to strong curing light (used to solidify synthetic dental
filling material) & effective treatment: a clinical case report, along with
organ representation areas for each tooth.Omura Y, Shimotsuura Y, Fukuoka A,
Fukuoka H, Nomoto T. (A-, Sc)Acupunct Electrother
Res. 1996 Apr-Jun;21(2):133-60.
Heart Disease Research Foundation, New York, USA.Because of
the reduced effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria (e.g. Chlamydia
trachomatis, alpha-Streptococcus, Borrelia burgdorferi, etc.) and viruses (e.g.
Herpes Family Viruses) in the presence of mercury, as well as the fact that the
1st author has found that mercury exists in cancer and pre-cancer cell nuclei,
the presence of dental amalgam (which contains about 50% mercury) in the
human mouth is considered to be a potential hazard for the individual's
health. In order to solve this problem, 3 amalgam fillings were removed
from the teeth of the subject of this case study. In order to fill the newly
created empty spaces in the teeth where the amalgams had formerly existed, a
synthetic dental-filling substance was introduced and to solidify the synthetic
substance, curing light (wavelength range reportedly between 400-520 nm) was
radiated onto the substance in order to accelerate the solidifying process by
photo-polymerization. In spite of considerable care not to inhale mercury vapor
or swallow minute particles of dental amalgam during the process of removing it
by drilling, mercury entered the body of the subject. Precautions such as the
use of a rubber dam and strong air suction, as well as frequent water
suctioning and washing of the mouth were insufficient. Significant deposits of
mercury, previously non-existent, were found in the lungs, kidneys, endocrine
organs, liver, and heart with abnormal low-voltage ECGs (similar to those
recorded 1-3 weeks after i.v. injection of radioisotope Thallium-201 for Cardiac
SPECT) in all the limb leads and V1 (but almost normal ECGs in the precordial
leads V2-V6) the day after the procedures were performed. Enhanced mercury
evaporation by increased temperature and microscopic amalgam particles created
by drilling may have contributed to mercury entering the lungs and G.I. system
and then the blood circulation, creating abnormal deposits of mercury in the
organs named above. Such mercury contamination may then contribute to
intractable infections or pre-cancer. However, these mercury deposits, which
commonly occur in such cases, were successfully eliminated by the oral
intake of 100 mg tablet of Chinese parsley (Cilantro) 4 times a day (for
average weight adults) with a number of drug-uptake enhancement methods
developed by the 1st author, including different stimulation methods on the
accurate organ representation areas of the hands (which have been mapped using
the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test), without injections of chelating agents. Ingestion
of Chinese parsley, accompanied by drug-uptake enhancement methods, was
initiated before the amalgam removal procedure and continued for about 2 to 3
weeks afterwards, and ECGs became almost normal. During the use of strong
bluish curing light to create a photo-polymerization reaction to solidify the
synthetic filling material, the adjacent gingiva and the side of the tongue
were inadvertently exposed. This exposure to the strong bluish light was found
to produce pre-cancerous conditions in the gingiva,
the exposed areas of the tongue, as well as in the corresponding organs
represented on those areas of the tongue, and abnormally increased enzyme
levels in the liver. These abnormalities were also successfully reversed by the
oral intake of a mixture of EPA with
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Psychological and medical effects of
mercury intake from dental amalgam. A status report for the American Journal of Dentistry.Osborne JW,
Albino JE. Am J Dent. 1999 Jun;12(3):151-6. (P, R, O, D)