The Effects of Mercury Fillings on the Kidneys of Adults

For years, many feared that the mercury in dental fillings caused kidney damage and other health problems in adults and children.

A report issued by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2009 noted that dental fillings containing mercury do not pose a health risk for adults and/or children over the age of six. The final conclusion of this report was based on data provided by health care professionals over a period of years.

The administration's informational release stated that, "While elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures, the levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients."

Even though the FDA found no evidence that amalgam mercury carried a long-term health risk, the agency raised the risk level from a Class 1, low risk, to Class 2, a moderate risk which carries precautionary statements concerning its use.

History

• Amalgam mercury tooth filling has been used since the mid-1970s. The Centers for Disease Control Prevention said that the substance is safe, sound and effective for treating tooth decay. The center said it remains popular because of its low cost and its lasting effects

Identification

• Mercury is a metal that is found in the earth and used in many products, such as light bulbs, batteries, thermometers and dental filling known as Amalgam. It is poisonous and can be hazardous to our environment if not disposed of in a proper manner.

  Mercury exposure occurs by eating contaminated food, such as some fish; drinking contaminated water; and through some types of medical and dental procedures. It has been proved than high levels of mercury can cause serious harm to the brain, kidneys and to the fetus.

  Amalgam is made by mixing equal parts of elemental liquid mercury to an alloy powder of mostly silver, and some tin and copper.

Considerations

• It is feared that the mercury found in amalgam fillings releases poisonous vapor over time. Patients can absorb these vapors by inhaling or ingesting them.

  However, according to FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health's Dr Susan Runner, acting director, Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection control and Dental Devices, "Patients are not at risk for long-term, mercury-related adverse health events. There have only been 141 adverse event reports over 20 years. None resulted in death."

Theories/Speculation

• Despite reports generated by the FDA and dental trade associations touting its lack of danger, there are those who still believe that dental mercury poses a threat to the health of adults, children and the yet unborn.

  In an August, 2009 article written by Mike Adams, editor of NaturalNews.com, (Reference 3), referencing the FDA reported results of the study conducted on the safety of mercury fillings, he states "What this so-called "scientific" conclusion really says is that mercury fillings don't produce mercury vapor or mercury dust. But any dentist can tell you that drilling on mercury fillings produces mercury dust that's immediately inhaled by the patient (and the dentist)... ."

Warning

• The FDA has recommended that certain warning statements, mandated by the substance's class change, should be included on product amalgam labeling. This list suggests a warning against the use of dental amalgam in patients with mercury allergy; a warning that dental professionals use adequate ventilation when handling dental amalgam; and a statement discussing the scientific evidence on the benefits and risk of dental amalgam, including the risks of inhaled mercury vapor.