In the scientific world, disputes about the risks of using and toxicity of amalgam fillings do not subside. Recently, a team of researchers has provided new evidence that exposure to mercury in amalgam can cause and contribute to the progression of many chronic diseases, as well as lead to depression, anxiety and suicidal tendencies.
Among other aspects, scientists have studied the toxic effects of amalgams on dentists and their assistants. These medical personnel are often exposed to mercury vapor, for example, released during the installation of an amalgam filling.
A study was conducted in Norway in 2008 with 41 dental assistants and 64 controls. According to its results, it turned out that among dental assistants there is a higher level of neurological and psychosomatic symptoms compared to the representatives of the control group, in addition, they experience more problems with memory and concentration, fatigue and sleep disturbance. The study, conducted in 2012, involved 600 dentists. According to its results, dentists acquire a much higher number of prescribed drugs for neurophysiological and neurological disorders than the control group.
The scientists also found a number of studies that claim a significant reduction in psychological symptoms in patients after the removal of an amalgam filling. For example, one such study involved 111 patients with symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. It was found that after the removal of the amalgam filling, within 5 years, psychological symptoms significantly decreased in 76% of patients.
In addition, the study talks about the effect of amalgam fillings on the mood and psychological health of patients. A statistical relationship was established between the level of mercury in the urine and the patient's level of anxiety. Many studies involving dentists and dental assistants also show a link between a participant's mood and exposure to what was until recently considered a safe amount of mercury vapor.
In a paper published in 2006, based on post-mortem studies, scientists concluded that there is a link between elevated levels of mercury in the body and suicide attempts. In the course of this study, Italian scientists examined the bodies of 18 corpses, the cause of death of 8 of which was suicide. As a result, it was found that 63% of the suicidal group had more than 12 amalgams on the occlusal surface of the teeth. While in the corpses of the remaining group, amalgam fillings were found only in 10% of cases. The researchers noted that the level of mercury in the bodies of corpses from the suicidal group was three times higher than the average among the representatives of the second group.
“The evidence presented suggests that the presence of an amalgam filling may be one of the most important factors in the development of diseases. Moreover, the presence of elevated levels of mercury, along with other risk factors for disease, is the rule rather than the exception,” the authors of this study state.
It is widely known that exposure to high doses of mercury leads to serious health problems. However, the consequences of regular exposure to very small amounts of mercury vapor are not fully understood. This is mainly due to the lack of sufficient research data on this issue. However, the World Health Organization warns that even small amounts of exposure to mercury vapor can cause serious illness. WHO has listed mercury as one of the 10 most dangerous chemicals because of the proven toxic effects of mercury vapor on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, as well as on the lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. However, most medical organizations and the medical community do not share the opinion about the toxicity of amalgam fillings. For example, the US Food and Drug Administration does not prohibit the use of amalgam fillings and considers this material to be safe. Only a few countries prohibit the use of amalgams, including Norway and Sweden. In other countries, such as Canada and Germany, amalgam fillings are not recommended for children and pregnant women.