PMID: 4530933 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] MeSH Terms Mercury hazards in dentistry. Mercury. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, after all. Dental amalgam is a silver-coloured mercury-containing product that many people are familiar with. All staff should be trained about the hazards of mercury. Amalgam is a combination of approximately equal amounts of elemental mercury and alloy powder, which contains other metals such as silver, tin, copper, and zinc. All silver-colored fillings, also called “dental amalgams,” contain 45-55% metallic mercury. 1. Dental amalgam is a mixture of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin and copper. This is one of the most hazardous substances used in dentistry and all staff must be aware of its potential hazards. Mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic which can accumulate in the body with long term, low level exposure. Elemental mercury makes up about 50% of dental … Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hg) from dental amalgam fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many countries. Dental professionals: In addition to their direct contact with mercury, dental professionals who work in offices that use amalgam also face high levels of mercury in the air they breathe. As a result, dental professionals – including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office staff – … Label the package clearly as a mercury hazard. 1974 Jul;70(321):166-80. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the nervous, immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. Arrangements are made by Area Pharmaceutical Store to deal with such waste, and staff there should be contacted for further information. Carpeting should be avoided in areas where there is the potential for a mercury spill. Metallic mercury, like other forms of mercury, occurs naturally. People with heightened sensitivity to mercury or other components of dental amalgam. Brooks JM, Allingham PM. So while removing mercury amalgam fillings safety protocols should be taken by dentist. Dental amalgam danger exists because mercury fillings are associated with a number of human health risks. 1 Dental amalgams are used for 45% of all direct dental restorations worldwide, 2 and it has been estimated that these mercury-containing fillings are used on more than 50% of Americans. The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine is committed to mercury safety and believes that ALL patients should be protected from dental mercury, not just the groups listed above. Amalgam is not the sole hazardous waste of concern. Also known as 'silver fillings', amalgams are commonly used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth. 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