Mercury Free and Healthy
This web page presents information pertaining to the dental amalgam issue. Subjects presented in the contents list are linked to subsequent portions of the web page.
Contents List
I) Introduction
I a) Fundamental Health Flaws
I b) The Truth and the Hippocratic
Oath
I c) Historical
Overview of Mercury Use in Dentistry
II) Paramount Scientific Documents
II a) Review
II b) Dental Mercury Impairs Kidney
Function
II c) Dental Mercury Provokes an Increase
in Oral and Intestinal Floras
II d) Dental Amalgam Mercury in the Human
Population
II d1) Dental Mercury is Source of
Two-Thirds of Mercury in Population
II d2) Neurological Behavioral Effects
from Exposure to Dental Amalgam Mercury (focuses on dental personnel)
II d3) Mobilization of Mercury and Arsenic
in Humans by DMPS (including dental personnel)
II e) Mercury Exposure via Breast Milk
II f) Infertility
III) Fetal Malformations
III a) Sheep Study
III b) Rat Studies
III c) Human Study
V) Amalgam Removal
V a) Patient Preparation for Amalgam Removal
V b) Dental Procedures for Patient Protection
During amalgam Removal
V c) Amalgam Removal without Patient Protection
V d) Amalgam Removal with Patient Protection
V e) Pregnancy Precaution
V f) Patient Reports
VI) Dental Mercury A Source of Air and
Water Pollution
VIa) Mercury in Dental Clinic Wastewater Discharge
VII) American Dental Association's (ADA)
Position
VII a) Journal of the American Dental Association
VII b) Superior Court Demurrer
VII c) ADA Code of Ethics
VII d) ADA Internet Site
X) Notice to Amalgam Manufactures
XVI) Amalgam Related Conventions
XVII) Request for Finincial Support of Web Page
XVIII) The Mercury Free and Healthy Campaign (Bumper Sticker Orders)
Ever since dentists first started installing amalgams in patients' teeth there has been an issue as to whether mercury is released and causes health (pathophysiologic) problems. Then in 1984 a group of conscientious dentists formed the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). One of their objectives was to scientifically explore the safety of amalgam restorations. Since 1984, members of the IAOMT have inspired many renowned medical scientists at universities around the world to research possible pathophysiologic effects associated with mercury leaking from amalgam restorations. Consequently, there are a growing number of scientific studies that document pathophysiologic effects associated with amalgam mercury.
A "silver filling" is a euphemism for an amalgam restoration, which a dentist places in a patient's tooth after a cavity is created by drilling out decay. Amalgam restorations consist of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and a trace amount of zinc. The dental amalgam has two fundamental flaws that adversely effect a patient's health. The first fundamental flaw is that all amalgam metals are cations. The net result of the tendency for covalent, ionic and metallic bonding and van der Waals forces between amalgam cations is a weak repulsion. So there is a sustained release of mercury and other metals from the amalgam into the body. Researchers have measured a daily release of mercury on the order of 10 micrograms from the amalgam into the body. Mercury is a toxic metal; the most minute amount damages cells.
The second fundamental flaw is that there are five dissimilar metals in the amalgam. Galvanic action between these metals in inevitable (the dissimilar metals form a battery). Galvanism produces electricity that flows through the body. The electric currents produced by the amalgam typically are between 0.1 and 10 microamps, compared to the body's natural electric current of 3 microamps.
The mercury challenges systemic functions of every individual and of developing fetuses, so it can lead to health problems and fetal malformations. Mercury leakage and its subsequent pathophysiologic effects are most often slow, insidious processes. So health problems caused by dental mercury poisoning are perceived many years after the amalgams are placed.
I b) The Truth and the Hippocratic Oath
Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th Century Philosopher ..."All truth passes through three stages: first it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed, and third it is accepted as self-evident."
"...I will prescribe regimen for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone. To please no one, will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death. If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot."
I c) Historical Overview of Mercury Use in Dentistry
Lorscheider, F.L., Vimy, M.J., and Summers, A.O. "Mercury Exposure from Silver Tooth Fillings: Emerging Evidence Questions a Traditional Dental Paradigm." FASEB Journal (April 1995).
As early as the 7th century, the Chinese used a "silver paste" containing mercury (Hg) to fill decayed teeth. Throughout the Middle Ages, alchemists in China and Europe observed that this mysterious silvery liquid, extracted from cinnabar ore, was volatile and would quickly disappear as vapor when mildly heated. Alchemists were fascinated that at room temperature Hg appeared to "dissolve" powders of other metals such as silver, tin, and copper. By the early 1800's, the use of a Hg/silver paste as a tooth filling material was being popularized in England and France and it was eventually introduced into North America in the 1830s. Some early dental practitioners expressed concerns that the Hg/silver mixture (amalgam) expanded after setting, frequently fracturing the tooth or protruding above the cavity preparation, and thereby prevented proper jaw closure. Other dentists were concerned about mercurial poisoning, because it was already widely recognized that Hg exposure resulted in many overt side effects, including dementia and loss of motor coordination. By 1845, as a reflection of these concerns, the American Society of Dental Surgeons and several affiliated regional dental societies adopted a resolution that its members sign a pledge not to use amalgam. Consequently, during the next decade some members of the society were suspended for the malpractice of using amalgam. But the advocates of amalgam eventually prevailed and membership in the American Society of Dental Surgeons declined, forcing it to disband in 1856. In its place arose the American Dental Association, founded in 1859, based on the advocacy of amalgam as a safe and desirable tooth filling material. Shortly thereafter, tin was added to the Hg/silver paste to counteract the expansion properties of the previous amalgam formula.
There were compelling economic reasons for promoting dental amalgam as a replacement for the other common filling materials of the day such as cement, lead, gold, and tinfoil. Amalgam's introduction meant that dental care would now be within the financial means of a much wider sector of the population, and because amalgam was simple and easy to use, dentists could readily be trained to treat the anticipated large number of new patients. By 1895, the dental amalgam mixture of metals had been modified further to control for expansion and contraction, and the basic formula has remained essentially unchanged since then. Scientific concerns about amalgam safety initially surfaced in Germany during the 1920's, but eventually subsided without a clear resolution. At the present time, based on 1992 dental manufacturer specifications, amalgam (at mixing) typically contains approximately 50% metallic Hg, 35% silver, 9% tin, 6% copper, and a trace of zinc. Estimates of annual Hg usage by U.S. dentists range from approximately 100,000 kg in the 1970's to 70,000 kg today. Hg fillings continue to remain the material preferred by 92% of U.S. dentists for restoring posterior teeth. More than 100 million Hg fillings are placed each year in the U.S. Presently, organized dentistry has countered the controversy surrounding the use of Hg fillings by claiming that Hg reacts with the other amalgam metals to form a "biologically inactive substance" and by observing that dentists have not reported any adverse side effects in patients. Long-term use and popularity also continue to be offered as evidence of amalgam safety.
II) Paramount Scientific Documents
The amalgam has two fundamental health flaws: 1) it has a sustained release of mercury and other toxic metals into the body, and 2) galvanic action produces electricity that flows throught the body. Since pathophysiologic effects that toxicity has on the body can be objectively measured, scientific research pertaining to the amalgams fundamental health flaws have been focused on the sustained mercury release. Abstracts to some of the more paramount scientific documents pertaining to pathophysiologic effects of the released mercury are presented below.
Lorscheider, F.L., Vimy, M.J., and Summers, A.O. "Mercury Exposure from Silver Tooth Fillings: Emerging Evidence Questions a Traditional Dental Paradigm." FASEB Journal (April 1995).
SUMMARY: This document reviews results of animal and human studies of pathophysiologic effects related to mercury leaking from amalgam restorations. Some pertinent points presented include:
II b) Dental Mercury Impairs Kidney Function
Boyd, N.D., H. Benediktsson, M.J. Vimy, D.E. Hooper, and F.L. Lorscheider, "Mercury From Dental "Silver" Tooth Fillings Impairs Sheep Kidney Function", Am.J. Physiol. 261, Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 30: R1010-R1014, (1991).
ABSTRACT: In humans Hg vapor is released from "silver" amalgam fillings that contain 50% Hg by weight. Previous studies show that when 12 such fillings are placed in sheep teeth, the kidneys will concentrate amalgam Hg at levels ranging from 5 to 10 ug Hg/g renal tissue 4 to 20 weeks after placement. In the present study 12 occlusal fillings were placed in each of six adult female sheep under general anesthesia, using standard dental procedures. Glass ionomer occlusal fillings (12) were inserted in two control sheep. At several days before dental surgery, and at 30 and 60 days after placement of fillings, renal function was evaluated by plasma clearance of inulin and by plasma and urine electrolytes, urea, and proteins. An average plasma inulin clearance rate of 69.5 +/- 7.2 ml/min before amalgam placement was reduced to 32.3 +/- 8.1 ml/min by 30 days and remained low at 27.9 +/- 8.7 ml/min after 60 days. Inulin clearance did not change in controls. After amalgam placement urine concentration of albumin decreased from 93.0 +/- 20.5 to 30.1 +/- 15.3 mg/l and urine Na concentrations increased steadily from 24.8 +/- 7.7 to 82.2 +/- 20.3 mmol/l at 60 days. Concentrations of K, urea, Y-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and total protein did not change significantly form 0 to 60 days in urine. Plasma levels of Na, K, urea, and albumin remained unchanged form 0 to 60 days after amalgam. Renal histology remained normal in amalgam-treated animals. It is concluded that amalgam Hg levels in kidney are sufficient to significantly reduce the rate of inulin clearance by non defined mechanisms and that electrolyte patterns in urine are consistent with impaired renal tubular reabsorption.
II c) Dental Mercury Provokes an Increase in Oral and Intestinal Floras
Summers, A.O., J.Wireman, M.J. Vimy, F.L. Lorscheider, B. Marshall, S.B. Levy, S. Bennett, and L. Billard, "Mercury Released form Dental "Silver" Fillings Provokes an Increase in Mercury- and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in Oral and Intestinal Floras of Primates", Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, (April 1993), pages 825 - 834.
ABSTRACT: In a survey of 640 human subjects, a subgroup of 356 persons without recent exposure to antibiotics demonstrated that those with a high prevalence of Hg resistance in their intestinal floras were significantly more likely to also have resistance to two or more antibiotics. This observation led us to consider the possibility that mercury released from amalgam ("silver") dental restorations might be a selective agent for both mercury- and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the oral and intestinal floras of primates. Resistances to mercury and the several antibiotics were examined in the oral and intestinal floras of six adult monkeys prior the the installation of amalgam fillings, during the time they were in pace, and after replacement of the amalgam fillings with glass ionomer fillings (in four of the monkeys). The monkeys were fed an antibiotic-free diet, and fecal mercury concentrations were monitored. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of mercury-resistant bacteria during the 5 weeks following installation of the amalgam fillings and during the 5 weeks immediately following their replacement with glass ionomer fillings. These peaks in incidence of mercury-resistant bacteria correlated with peaks of Hg elimination (as high as 1mM in the feces) immediately following amalgam placement and immediately after replacement of the amalgam fillings. Representative mercury-resistant isolates of three selected bacterial families (oral streptococci, members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and enterocaocci) were also resistant to one or more antibiotics, including ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin, kanamycin, and chloramphenicol. While such mercury- and antibiotic-resistant isolates among the staphylococci, the enterococci, and members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, have been described, this is the first report of mercury resistance in the oral streptococci. Many of the enterobacterial strains were able to transfer mercury and antibiotic resistances together to laboratory bacterial recipients, suggesting that the loci for these resistances are genetically linked. Our findings indicate that mercury released from amalgam fillings can cause an enrichment of mercury resistance plasmids in the normal bacterial floras of primates. Many of these plasmids also carry antibiotic resistance, implicating the exposure to mercury from dental amalgams in an increased incidence of multiple antibiotic resistance plasmids in the normal floras of nonmedicated subjects.
II d) Dental Amalgam Mercury in the Human Population
II d1) Dental Mercury is Source of Two-Thirds of Mercury in Population
Aposhian, H.V., D.C. Bruce, W. Alter, R.C. Dart, K.M. Hurlbut, M.M. Aposhian, "Urinary Mercury after Administration of 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid: Correlation with Dental Amalgam Score" FASEB J. 6: 2472-2476; (1992).
ABSTRACT: There is a considerable controversy as to whether dental amalgams may cause systemic health effects in humans because they liberate elemental mercury. Most such amalgams contain as much as 50% metallic mercury. To determine the influence of dental amalgams on the mercury body burden of humans, we have given volunteers, with and without amalgams in their mouth, the sodium salt of 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS), a chelating agent safely used in the Soviet Union and West Germany for a number of years. The diameters of dental amalgams of the subjects were determined to obtain the amalgam score. Administration of 300 mg DMPS by mouth increased the mean urinary mercury excretion of the amalgam group from 0.70 to 17.2 ug and that of the non amalgam group from 0.27 to 5.1 ug over a 9 hour period. Two-thirds of the mercury excreted in the urine of those with dental amalgams appears to be derived originally from the mercury vapor released from their amalgams. Linear regression analysis indicated a highly significant positive correlation between the mercury excreted in the urine 2 hours after DMPS administration and the dental amalgam scores. DMPS can be used to increase the urinary excretion of mercury and thus increase the significance and reliability of this measure of mercury exposure or burden, especially in cases of micromercurialism.
II d2) Neurological Behavaioral Effects from Exposure to Dental Amalgam Mercury (focuses on dental personel)
D. Echeverria, H.V. Aposhian, J.S. Woods, N.J. Heyer, M.M. Aposhian, A.C. Bittner Jr., R.K. Mahurn, and M. Cianciola, "Neurobehavioral effects from exposure to dental amalgam Hg: new distinctions between recent exposure and Hg body burden," FASEB Journal 12, 971-980 (1998).
ABSTRACT: Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hg) from dental amalgam fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many countries. We evaluated potential central nervous system (CNS) toxicity associated with handling Hg-containing amalgam materials amoung dental personnel with very low levels of Hg exposure (i.e., urinary Hg < 4 ug/l), applying a neurobehavioral test battery to evaluate CNS functions in relation to both recent exposure and Hg body burden. New distinctions between subtle preclinical effects on symptoms, mood, motor function, and cognition were found associated with Hg body burden as compared with those associated with recent exposure. The pattern of results, comparable to findings previously reported among subjects with urinary Hg > 50 ug/l, presents convincing new evidence of adverse behavioral effects associated with low Hg exposures within the range of that recieved by the general population.
II d3) Mobilization of Mercury and Arsenic in Humans by DMPS (including dental personel)
H.V. Aposhian, "Mobilization of Mercury and Arsenic in Humans by Sodium 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS)," Environmental Health Perspectives Vol 106, Supplement 4, (August 1998).
Sodium 2, 3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS, Dimaval) is a water-soluble chelating agent that can be given by mouth or systemically and has been used to treat metal intoxication since the 1960's in the former Soviet Union and since 1978 in Germany. To better approximate the body burdens of Hg and As in humans, DMPS-Hg and DMPS-AS challenge tests have been developed. The tests involve collecting an overnight urine, administering 300 mg DMPS at zero time, collecting the urine from 0 to 6 hours, and determining the urinary Hg before and after DMPS is given. The challenge test, when applied to normal college student volunteers with and without amalgam restorations in their mouths, indicated that two-thirds of the Hg excreted in the urine after DMPS administration originated in their dental amalgams. In addition, there was a positive linear correlation between the amalgam score (a measure of amalgam surface) and urinary Hg after the challenge test. When the DMPS-Hg challenge test was used to study dental personnel occupationally exposed to Hg, the urinary excretion of Hg was 88, 49, and 35 times greater after DMPS administration than before administration in 10 dental technicians, 5 dentists, and 13 nondental personnel, respectively. DMPS also was used to measure the body burden of humans with a history of drinking water containing 600 ug As/liter. DMPS administration resulted in a tripling of the monomethylarsonic acid percentage and a halving of the dimethylarsinic acid percentage as related to total urinary As. Because South American animals studied were deficient in arsenite methytransferase, a hypothesis is presented that arsenite and arsenite methyltransferase may have had a role in the evolution of some South American animals.
II e) Mercury Exposure via Breast Milk
Vimy, M.J., Hooper, D.E., King, W.W., Lorscheider, F.L., "Mercury from Maternal "Silver" Tooth Fillings in Sheep and Human Breast Milk: A Source of Neonatal Exposure" Biological Trace Element Research, 56:143-52, (1997).
ABSTRACT: Neonatal uptake of Hg from milk was examined in a pregnant sheep model, where radioactive mercury (Hg203)/silver tooth fillings (amalgam) were newly placed. A crossover experimental design was used in which lactating ewes nursed foster lambs. In a parallel study, the relationship between dental history and breast milk concentration of Hg was also examined.
Results from the animal studies showed that, during pregnancy, a primary fetal site of amalgam, Hg concentration is in the liver, and after delivery the neonatal lamb kidney receives additional amalgam Hg from mother's milk. In lactating women with aged amalgam fillings, increased Hg excretion in breast milk and urine correlated with the number of fillings or Hg vapor concentration levels in mouth air.
It was concluded that Hg originating from maternal amalgam tooth fillings transfers across the placenta to the fetus, across the mammary gland into milk ingested by the newborn and ultimately into neonatal body tissues. Comparisons are made to the U.S. minimal risk level recently established for adult Hg exposure. These findings suggest the placement and removal of "silver" tooth filings in pregnant and lactating humans will subject the fetus and neonate to unnecessary risk of Hg exposure.
Gerhard, I., Monga, B., Waldbrenner, A., Runnebaum, B., "Heavy Metals and Fertility" Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part, A, 54:593-611, (1998).
Heavy metals have been identified as factors affecting human fertility. This study was designed to investigate whether the urinary heavy metal excretion is associated with different factors of infertility. The urinary heavy metal excretion was determined in 501 infertile women after oral administration of the chelating agent 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonic acid (DMPS). Furthermore, the influence of trace element and vitamin administration on metal excretion was investigated. Significant correlations were found between different heavy metals and clinical parameters (age, body mass index, nationality) as well as gynecological conditions (uterine fibroids, miscarriages, hormonal disorders). Diagnosis and reduction of an increased heavy metal body load improved the spontaneous conception chances of infertile women. The DMPS test was a useful and complementary diagnostic method. Adequate treatment provides successful alternatives to conventional hormonal therapy.
James Paget Lancet 2:1017, 1882
We ought not to set them aside with idle thoughts or idle words about "curiosities" or "chances." Not one of them is without meaning; not one that might not become the beginning of excellent knowledge, if only we could answer the question - why is it rare or being rare, why did it in this instance happen?
McKeown T., "Human Malformations: Introduction" British Medical Bulletin Vol. 32 Number 1 (January 1976).
"...it is a sobering thought that after several decades of research, a number of international conferences and many other meetings, seminars and symposia, the problem of human malformations remains essentially unchanged." "...at least in the immediate future, it seems likely that the problem of human malformations will continue at about the present level (27 per every 1000 births)."
When dental mercury crosses over the placenta into the tissue of the developing fetus, does it cause fetal malformations? These studies answer that question.
Vimy, M.J., Y. Takahashi, and F.L. Lorscheider "Maternal-fetal distribution of mercury (203Hg) released from dental amalgam fillings." Am. J. Physiol. 258 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 27): R939-R945 (1990).
ABSTRACT: In humans, the continuous release of Hg vapor from dental amalgam tooth restorations is markedly increased for prolonged periods after chewing. The present study establishes a time-course distribution for amalgam, Hg in body tissues of adult and fetal sheep. Under general anesthesia, five pregnant ewes had twelve occlusal amalgam fillings containing radioactive 203Hg placed in teeth at 112 days gestation. Blood, amniotic fluid, feces, and urine specimens were collected at 1- to 3-day intervals for 16 days. From days 16-140 after amalgam placement (16-41 days for fetal lambs), tissue specimens were analyzed for radioactivity, and total Hg concentrations were calculated. Results demonstrate that Hg from dental amalgam will appear in maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid within 2 days after placement of amalgam tooth restorations. Excretion of some of this Hg will also commence within 2 days. All tissues examined displayed Hg accumulation. Highest concentrations of Hg from amalgam in the adult occurred in kidney and liver, whereas in the fetus the highest amalgam Hg concentrations appeared in the liver and pituitary glands. The placenta progressively concentrated Hg as gestation advanced to term, and milk concentration of amalgam Hg postpartum provides a potential source of Hg exposure to the newborn. It is concluded that accumulation of amalgam Hg progresses in maternal and fetal tissues to a steady state with advancing gestation and is maintained.
Fredriksson, A., Dencker, L., Archer, T., Danielsson, B.R. "Prenatal Coexposure to Metallic Mercury Vapor and Methyl Mercury Produce Interactive Behavioral Changes in Adult Rats." Neurotoxicol Teratol., 18(2): 129-34, (1996).
ABSTRACT: Pregnant rats were either 1) administered methyl mercury (MeHg) by gavage, 2 mg/kg/day during days 6-9 of gestation, 2) exposed by inhalation to metallic mercury (Hg) vapor (1.8 mg/m3 air for 1.5 hours per day) during gestation days 14-19, 3) exposed to both MeHg by gavage and Hg vapor by inhalation (MeHg + Hg), or 4) were given combined vehicle administration for each of the two treatments (control). The inhalation regimen corresponded to an approximate dose of 0.1 mg Hg/kg/day.
Clinical observations and developmental markers up to weaning showed no differences between any of the groups. Testing of behavioral functions was performed between 4 and 5 months of age and included spontaneous motor activity, spatial learning in a circular bath, and instrumental maze learning for food reward.
Offspring of dams exposed to hg vapor showed hyperactivity in the motor activity test chambers over all three parameters: locomotion, rearing and total activity; this effect was potentiated in the animals of the MeHg + Hg group. In the swim maze test, the MeHg + Hg and Hg groups evidenced longer latencies to reach a submerged platform, which they had learned to mount the day before, compared to either the control or MeHg group. In the modified, enclosed radial arm maze, both the MeHg + Hg and Hg groups showed more ambulations and rearings in the activity test prior to the learning test. During the learning trial, the same groups (i.e., MeHg + Hg and Hg) showed longer latencies and made more errors in acquiring all eight pellets.
Generally, the results indicate that prenatal exposure to Hg causes alterations to both spontaneous and learned behaviors, suggesting some deficit in adaptive functions. Coexposure to MeHg, which by itself did not alter their functions at the dose given in this study, served to significantly aggravate the change.
S. Soderstrom, A Fredriksson, L. Dencker, T. Ebendal, "The effect of mercury vapour on cholinergic neurons in the fetal brain: studies on the expression of nerve growth factor and its low- and high-affinity receptors," Developmental Brain Research 85, 96-108 (1995)
ABSTRACT: The effects of mercury vapour on the production of nerve growth factor during development have been examined. Pregnant rats were exposed to two different concentrations of mercury vapour during either embryonic days E6-E11 (early) or E13-E18 (late) in pregnancy, increasing the postnatal concentration of mercury in the brain from 1 ng/g tissue to 4 ng/g tissue (low-dose group) or 11 ng/g (high-dose group). The effect of this exposure in offspring was determined by looking at the NGF concentration at postnatal days 21 and 60 and comparing these levels to age-matched controls from sham-treated mothers. Changes in the expression of mRNA encoding NGF, the low- and high-affinity receptors for NGF (p75 and p140 trk. respectively) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) were also determined. When rats were exposed to high levels of mercury vapour during early embryonic development there was a significant (62%) increase in hippocampal NGF levels at P21 accompanied by a 50% decrease of NGF in the basal forebrain. The expression of NGF mRA was found to be unaltered in the dentate gyrus. The expression of p75 mRNA was significantly decreased to 39% of control levels in the diagonal band of Broca (DB) and to approximately 50% in the medial septal nucleus (MS) whereas no alterations in the level of trk mRNA expression were detectabe in the basal forebrain. ChAT mRNA was slightly decreased in the DB and MS, significantly in the striatum. These findings suggest that low levels of prenatal mercury vapour exposure can alter the levels of the NGF and its receptors, indicating neuronal damage and disturbed trophic regulations during development.
Drasch et. al. "Mercury Burden of Human Fetal and Infant Tissues" European Journal of Pediatrics (August 1994).
ABSTRACT: The total mercury concentrations in the liver (Hg-L), the kidney cortex (Hg-K) and the cerebral cortex (Hg-C) of 108 children aged 1 day- 5 years, and the Hg-K and Hg-L of 46 fetuses were determined. As far as possible, the mothers were interviewed and their dental status was recorded. The results were compared to mercury concentrations in the tissues of adults for the same geographical area. The Hg-K (n=38) and Hg-L (n=40) of fetuses and Hg-K (n=35) and Hg-C (n=35) of older infants (11-50 weeks of life) correlated significantly with the number of dental amalgam fillings of the mother. The toxicological relevance of the unexpected high Hg-K of older infants from mother with higher numbers of dental amalgam fillings is discussed. Conclusion: Future discussion on the pros and cons of dental amalgam should not be limited to adults or children with their own amalgam fillings, but also include fetal exposure. The unrestricted application of amalgam for dental restorations in women before and during the child-bearing age should be reconsidered. Abbreviations: Hg-C total mercury concentration in the cerebral cortex (ng/g wet weight). Hg-K total mercury concentration in the renal cortex (ng/g wet weight). Hg-L total mercury concentration in the liver (ng/g wet weight).
IV) Alzheimer's Disease Studies
Many on-going studies have linked many aspects of amalgam mercury to brain tissue damage found in patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Abstracts from these on-going studies are presented below.
IV a) Trace Elements in Alzheimer's Disease Brains
Wenstrup, D., Ehmann, W.D., and Markesbery W.R., "Trace Element Imbalances in Isolated Subcellular Fractions of Alzheimer's Disease Brains" Brain Research, 533 125-131 Elsevier Science Publishers (1990).
ABSTRACT: Concentrations of 13 trace elements (Ag, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hg, K, Na, Rb, Sc, Se, Zn) in isolated subcellular fractions (whole brain, nuclei, mitochondria, microsomes) of temporal lobe from autopsied Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and normal controls were determined utilizing instrumental neutron activation analysis. Comparison of AD and controls revealed elevated Br (whole brain) and Hg (microsomes) and diminished Rb (whole brain, nuclear and microsomes), Se (microsomes) and Zn (nuclear) in AD. The elevated Br and Hg and diminished Rb are consistent with our previous studies in AD bulk brain specimens. Comparison of element ratios revealed increased Hg/Se, Hg/Zn and Zn/Se mass ratios in AD. Se and Zn play a protective role against Hg toxicity and our data suggest that they are utilized to detoxify Hg in the AD brain. Overall our studies suggest that Hg could be and important toxic element in AD. Whether Hg deposition in AD is a primary or secondary event remains to be determined.
C.R. Cornett, W.R. Markesbery, and W.D. Ehmann, "Imbalances of Trace Elements Related to Oxidative Damage in Alzheimer's Disease Brain" NeuroToxicology 19(3): 339-346 (1998).
ABSTRACT: Four elements that have been implicated in free radical induced oxidative stress in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in seven brain regions from 58 AD patients and 21 control subjects. A statistically significant elevation of iron and zinc was observed in multiple regions of AD brain, compared with controls. Mercury was elevated in AD in most regions studied, but the high variability of mercury levels in both AD and control subjects prevented the AD-control difference from reaching significance. Selenium, a protective agent against mercury toxicity, was significantly elevated only in AD amygdala. The elevation of iron and zinc in AD brain has the potential of augmenting neuron degeneration through free radical processes.
IV b) Mercury Vapor Inhalation Inhibits Tubulin in Rat Brain
James C. Pendergrass, Boyd E. Haley, Murray J. Vimy, Stewart A. Winfield and Fritz L. Lorscheider, "Mercury Vapor Inhalation Inhibits Binding of GTP to Tubulin in Rat Brain: Similarity to a Molecular Lesion in Human Alzheimer Brain." NeuroToxicology 18(2): 315-324, 1997.
ABSTRACT: Mercury (Hg) interacts with brain tubulin and disassembles microtubules that maintain neurite structure. Since it is well known that Hg vapor is continuously released from "silver" amalgam tooth fillings and is absorbed into brain, rats were exposed to Hg 4 hr/day for 0, 2, 7, 14, and 28 days at 250 or 300 mcg Hg/m3 air, concentrations present in mouth air of some humans with many amalgam fillings. Average rat brain Hg concentrations increased significantly (11-47 fold) with duration of Hg exposure. By 14 days of Hg exposure, photoaffinity labeling of the B-subunit of the tubulin dimer with (a32P)8N3GTP in brain hamogenates was decreased 41-74% , upon analysis of SDS-PAGE autoradiograms. The identical neurochemical lesion of similar or greater magnitude is evident in Alzheimer brain homogenates from approximately 80% of patients, when compared to human age-matched controls. Since the rate of tubulin polymerization is dependent upon binding of GTP to tubulin dimers, we conclude that chronic inhalation of low-level Hg can inhibit polymerization of tubulin essential for formation of microtubules.
IV c) HgEDTA Complex Inhibits Tubulin
E.F. Duhr, J.C. Pendergrass, J.T. Slevin, and B.E. Haley, "HgEDTA Complex Inhibits GTP Interactions with the E-Site of Brain B-Tubulin," Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 122, 273-280 (1993).
We have found that EDTA and EGTA complexes of Hg2+, which conventional wisdom has assumed are biologically inert, are potentially injurious to the neuronal cytoskeleton. Tubulin, a major protein component of the neuronal cytoskeleton, is the target of multiple toxicants, including many heavy metal ions. Among the mercurials, inorganic mercuric ion (HG2+) is one of the most potent inhibitors of microtubule polymerization both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast to other heavy metals, the capacity of Hg2+ to inhibit microtubule polymerization or disrupt formed microtubules cannot be prevented by the addition of EDTA and EGTA, both of which bind Hg2+ with very high affinity. To the contrary, the addition of these two chelating agents potentiates Hg2+ inhibitiion of tubulin polymerization. Results herein show that HgEDTA and HgEGTA inhibit tubulin polymerization by disrupting the interaction of GTP with the E-site of brain B-tubulin, an obligatory step in the polymerization of tubulin. Both HgEDTA and HgEGTA, but not free Hg2+, prevented binding of (32P)8N3GTP, a photoaffinity nucleotide analog of GTP, to the E-site and displaced bound (32P)8N3GTP at low micromolar concentrations. This complete inhibition of photoinsertion into the E-site occured in a concentration and time dependent fashion and was specific for Hg2+ complexes of EDTA and EGTA, among the chelating agents tested. Given the ubiquity of Hg2+ in the environment and the widespread use of EDTA in foodstuffs and medicine, these mercury complexes may pose a potentially serious threat to human health and play a role in diseases of the neuronal cytoskeleton.
IV d) Increased Blood Mercury Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
C. Hock, G. Drasch, S. Golombowski, F. Muller-Spahn, B. Willershausen-Zonnchen, P. Schwarz, U. Hock, J.H. Growdon, R.M. Nitsch "Increased Blood Mercury Levels in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease" Journal of Neural Transmission, 105: (1998).
SUMMARY: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that leads to dementia and death. In addition to several genetic parameters, various environmental factors may influence the risk of getting AD. In order to test whether blood levels of the heavy metal mercury are increased in AD, we measured blood mercury concentrations in AD patients (n=33), and compared them to age-matched control patients with major depression (MD) (n=45), as well as to an additional control group of patients with various non psychiatric disorders (n=65). Blood mercury levels were more than two fold higher in AD patients as compared to both control groups (p=0.0005, and p=0.0000, respectively). In early onset AD patients (n=13), blood mercury levels were almost three fold higher as compared to controls (p=0.0002, and p=0.0000, respectively). These increases were unrelated to the patients' dental status. Linear regression analysis of blood mercury concentrations and CSF levels of amyloid B-peptide (AB) revealed a significant correlation of these measures in AD patients (n=15, r=0.7440, p=0.0015, Pearson type of correlation). These results demonstrate elevated blood levels of mercury in AD, and they suggest that this increase of mercury levels is associated with high CSF levels of AB, whereas tau levels wre unrelated. Possible explanations of increased blood mercury levels in AD include yet unidentified enviromental sources or release from brain tissue with the advance in neuronal death.
V a) Patient Preparation for Amalgam Removal
AMALGAM REMOVAL PREPARATION WARNING: When the body is exposed to amalgam mercury it has on going detoxification and healing processes. If you have a medical condition then hormones and enzymes the body needs to heal have likely been depleted by this on going detoxification and healing process. So before your amalgam restorations are removed, blood testing should be performed to determined what hormones and enzymes are deficient. Based on the blood test results a medical doctor can evaluate what nutritional and hormonal supplements are needed to prepare the body. After amalgams are removed the healing usually accelerates so there will be an even greater demand for the hormones and enzymes that were depleted. So a patient with a medical condition should take nutritional and hormonal supplements before, during and after amalgam removal.
V b) Dental Procedures for Patient Protection During Amalgam Removal
IAOMT Standards of Care, Preferred Procedure, "Reducing Mercury Vapor Exposure for the Patient During Amalgam Removal." (September 1992)
The IAOMT has currently established the following amalgam removal protocols. If these protocols are followed, the amount of mercury released into the body during amalgam removal is reduced.
Other amalgam removal precautions in addition to the protocols listed above include:
V c) Amalgam Removal without Patient Protection
This study measures the mercury level when amalgams are removed not following the protocols presented above.
Molin, M., Bergman B., Marklund, S.L., Schutz, A., Skerfving, S., "Mercury, Selenium, and Glutathione Peroxidase Before and After Amalgam Removal in Man" Acta Odontal Scandinavia; 48:189-202. Oslo. ISSN 0001-6357 (1990).
ABSTRACT: In 10 healthy persons all amalgam fillings were replaced with gold inlays. Blood and urinary levels were measured on 10 occasions during a 4-month period before and a 12-month period after amalgam removal. These variables were also measured three times in 10 healthy controls. A strong statistically significant relation was found between plasma mercury values and both the total number of amalgam surfaces (r=0.71, p=0.0006) and the total surface area of the fillings (r=0.73, p=0.004). In the immediate post removal phase plasma mercury rose three- to four-fold, whereas the urinary and erythrocyte mercury rose about 50%. These peak values declined to the pre-removal level at about 1 month after removal. Twelve months after the removal plasma and urinary mercury levels were reduced to 50% and 25%, respectively, of the initial values for the experimental group. Apart from the significantly lower plasma selenium values 5 and 10 days after removal no significant differences were found with regard to plasma selenium or erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase either within or between the experimental and the control groups. A large number of supplementary biochemical analyses did not show any influence on organ functions or any differences between the groups before or after the amalgam removal. Amalgam fillings considerably contributed to the plasma and urinary mercury levels.
V d) Amalgam Removal with Patient Protection
This study measures the mercury level when amalgams are removed following the IAOMT protocols presented above.
Molin, M., Berglund, J.R., Mackert, J.R., "Kinetics of Mercury in Blood and Urine after Amalgam Removal." J. Dental Research, 74:420,IADR abstract 159, (1995).
ABSTRACT: Even through a number of studies have not been able to reveal any correlation between subjective symptoms and amalgam load there still are speculations whether patients with subjective symptoms related by the patients themselves to their amalgam fillings could have a changed pattern of elimination of mercury. The aim of the present investigation was to study the elimination half-time of mercury in plasma, erythrocytes and urine over an extended period of time after amalgam removal in a group of 10 patients with subjective symptoms by the patients themselves referred to their amalgam fillings and a group of 8 healthy subjects. The average number of occlusal and total amalgam surfaces in the patient group were 13.0 (range 4-20) and 44.4 (range 24-68), respectively. Corresponding figures in the control group were 12.9 (range 10-16) and 40.9 (range 24-63).
The amalgam removal using rubber dam, water spray cutting and high volume vacuum evacuator, was carried out at one and the same time. Blood and urine samples were collected at two occasions before the amalgam removal, then blood was collected at thirty two occasions and urine at forty three occasions during the following year. The mercury content was analyzed by CVAAS technique.
The measured P-, Ery- and U-Hg concentrations before amalgam removal were slightly higher in the control group 6.43.3 nmol/L, 19.46.6 nmol/L, and 2.71.3 nmol/nmol creatinine respectively than in the symptom group 5.61.8 nmol/L, 14.88.8 nmol/L, and 1.60.9 nmol/nmol creatinine respectively.
The Hg-concentrations did not significantly increase in the two groups after amalgam removal. Six days after the removal the plasma mean concentration was significantly decreased at P level and ten days after the decrease was at a permanent P level. The mean Ery-Hg level was significantly decreased after eleven days (p), a level that remained stable for the rest of the year. The mean U-Hg level was significantly decreased one month after the removal and after six months the mean level was reduced with 80 % compared to the initial level in both groups.
The conclusion to be drawn for the present study is that the symptom group did not have a changed pattern of elimination of mercury compared to the healthy group.
The formation of a fetus is very much at risk to mercury in its mother's blood; so the continuous release of mercury from amalgam restorations may be responsible for a portion of the birth defects seen in our society today. When an amalgam filling is removed or an amalgam-filled tooth is extracted, a surge of mercury may be released into the bloodstream. Women should have their amalgam fillings removed at least one year in advance of when they intend to become pregnant and discuss the risk with an informed medical doctor or dentist. Women should never have amalgam fillings removed during a pregnancy.
Siblerud, R.L. "Health Effects After Dental Amalgam Removal" Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. Vol. 5, No. 2, (1990).
SUMMARY: A Utah dentist provided the names and addresses of approximately 300 people who had their amalgams removed. A health questionnaire was sent to these people; 86 subjects responded. Eighty (80) % of the subjects reported that they felt better following amalgam removal. Nearly all of the subjects 91% said they were glad their amalgams had been removed and 88% said they would do it again. An increase in happiness and peace of mind was experienced by 58% of the subjects. This evidence suggests that the well being of these subjects improved immensely after amalgam removal.
Mary Davis editor "Defense Against Mystery Syndromes" Chek Printing Co. March 1994
SUMMARY: This book presents patient reported case histories, where they associate their health problems to dental amalgam mercury. Case histories include: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Seizures, Memory Loss, Migraines, Multiple Allergies, Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, Lupus, Maldigestion, Chemical Sensitivities, Insomnia, Miscarriages, Paralysis, Sinus Problems, Emotional & Mental Disorders, Infertility, Endometriosis, Crohn's Disease, Rashes, Anxiety, Tremors & Spasms, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Universal Reactor and many others.......
VI) Dental Mercury a Source of Air and Water Pollution
A report released on December 19, 1997 titled "Mercury Study Report to Congress" by the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that human caused emissions of mercury in the U.S. total 158 tons. The researchers estimated 33 percent of that 158 tons comes from coal-fired utility boilers, 19 percent from municipal incinerators, 18 percent from industrial boilers, and 10 percent from medical incinerators.
The EPA researchers apparently were unaware of another pollution source: dental mercury. Each year in the U.S. an estimated 80 tons of mercury are used to prepare mercury-amalgam dental restorations. Scientific studies have concluded that the amalgam is the source for more than two thirds of the mercury in our human population. Each amalgam, which is commonly called a "silver filling" by its installers, daily releases on the order of 10 micrograms of mercury into the body. This mercury either accumulates in the body or gets excreted via urine and feces into our wastewater systems. After a person dies the mercury that has accumulated in their body is released to the environment via either cremation or burial.
Another source of mercury pollution is dental office disposal.
Most dental offices without a metal separator dispose of their
waste mercury into municipal wastewater systems. Municipal treatment
plant processing separates wastewater into water and sludge. Mercury
does not disappear during this processing. Both treated water
that is discharged into waterways and sludge that is land-farmed
contain mercury. Mercury is also contained in air discharged from
dental offices into the atmosphere. This wastewater, sludge and
dental office air are another
source of mercury pollution.
VIa) Mercury in Dental Clinic Wastewater Discharge
This study measures the level of mercury discharged to the public waste water systems by dental offices.
Arenholt-Bindslev, D.; Larsen, A.H. "Mercury Levels and Discharge in Waste Water from Dental Clinics" Water Air Soil Pollution, 86(1-4):93-9, (1996).
ABSTRACT: Data was obtained on the amount of Hg discharged with the wastewater from dental clinics. Waste water from 20 Danish dental clinics was collected during one working day and analyzed for the amount of Hg using the technique of cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CVAAS). From clinics without amalgam separator mean value was 270 mg Hg per dentist per day (range 65 to 842), from clinics equipped with amalgam separator mean value was 35 mg Hg per dentist per day (range 12 to 99).
It was concluded that Hg is released with the waste water from dental clinics. Several hundred grams of Hg per clinic may be discharged annually with the waste water. Installation of efficient amalgam separators may reduce the Hg outlet markedly.
COMMENT: Very few dental offices in the United States have amalgam separators. Taking the mean daily level of 270 milligrams times 200 (working) days per year yields an annual value of 54 grams of Hg per dental office per year. Utilizing a conservative figure of 100,000 dental offices in the United States, a total of 5400 kilograms (12,172 pounds) of mercury exits U.S. dental offices in waste water each year.
VII) American Dental Association's Position
The American Dental Association has taken the following positions about "the dental amalgam issue."
VII a) Journal of the American Dental Association
Journal of the American Dental Association (April, 1990).
The strongest and most convincing support we have for the safety of dental amalgam is the fact that each year more than 100 million amalgam fillings are placed in the United States. And since amalgam has been used for more than 150 years, literally billions of amalgam fillings have been successfully used to restore decayed teeth.
VII b) Superior Court Demurrer
The Superior Court of the State of California Case No. 718228, Demurrer (October 22, 1992).
The American Dental Association (ADA) owes no legal duty of care to protect the public form allegedly dangerous products used by dentists. The ADA did not manufacture, design, supply or install the mercury-containing amalgams. The ADA does not control those who do. The ADA's only alleged involvement in the product was to provide information regarding its use. Dissemination of information relating to the practice of dentistry does not create a duty of care to protect the public from potential injury.
The American Dental Association's (ADA) code of ethics makes the removal of serviceable mercury amalgam restorations an issue of ethical conduct. In the ADA's point of view, it is ethical for a dentist to place mercury amalgam restorations in a patient and claim their safety. However, according to the ADA's code of ethics a dentist who acknowledges that mercury amalgam restorations are toxic and recommends their removal has acted unethically ("...the removal of amalgam restorations from the non-allergic patient for the alleged purpose of removing toxic substances from the body when such treatment is performed solely at the recommendation of the dentist is improper and unethical...." ADA Resolution 42H-1986. Transaction 1986:536) On the basis of the ADA's code of ethics, state dental boards have taken disciplinary action against mercury free dentists who have practiced their profession in accordance with current scientific knowledge and their conscience. The disciplinary action has ranged from restrictions placed on their practice to the loss of license.
Additional information about the ADA's position on the dental amalgam issue can be found on the web page: http://www.ada.org/topics/amalgam.html
Nothing in this section shall be construed to deprive any dental patients of the right to choose or replace any professionally recognized restorative material, nor to permit disciplinary action against a dentist solely for removing or placing any professionally recognized restorative material.
Bio-probe Newsletter, Volume 12, Issue 6 (November 1996).
After considering evidence and extensive arguments from attorneys
for the plaintiff and defendants, the judge in the California
case of Tolhurst vs. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products,
Inc. ruled that it is not generally accepted in the scientific
community that mercury from amalgam dental fillings is capable
of causing Guillain Barre' Syndrome, the affliction allegedly
suffered by plaintiff Tolhurst. The judge therefore suppressed
any evidence at the trial demonstrating that mercury was the cause
of the plaintiff's illness. The evidentiary hearing was held in
response to a defense motion based on the Frye rule. This
rule requires a plaintiff to demonstrate that the scientific tests,
techniques, and methods on which he/she intends to rely at trial
are "sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance
in the particular field in which it belongs." The test emphasizes
a comparison of the members of the relevant scientific community
who do or do not consider the proposed scientific test, method,
or technique as valid and reliable.
X) Notice to Amalgam Manufactures
Reeves & Associates of Lexington, Kentucky sent the following letter on behalf of the IAOMT to amalgam manufactures in May and September of 1992:
The potential for harmful health effects resulting from mercury exposure from mercury/silver amalgam dental fillings is no longer a matter of scientific debate. Such adverse effects have now been documented and reported by qualified medical scientists. Serious questions exist regarding mercury's role in loss of kidney function, Alzheimer's Disease, and a host of neurological disorders. My client, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) has compiled and reviewed all relevant scientific documentation and has found a total lack of scientific rigor to support statements that chronic exposure to mercury from dental amalgam is harmless to patients. I am sure you and your attorneys are all too aware of the potential for product liability under Restatement of Torts, Section 402A and other relevant law. In view of the totality of the information that is now available, not only does it seem likely that there will be an avalanche of product liability in the future, but that for those companies which continue to market the product, there will be a real potential for the assessment of punitive damages, much as we have seen against the asbestos industry. We believe it in your company's best interest, as well as in the interest of public health, that all use of mercury as a dental filling material cease immediately. The IAOMT has more specific information if you desire.
The above letter was sent to the following amalgam manufactures:
In the interest of protecting their citizens' health, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Finland and Canada have recently taken steps to limit and phase out the use of amalgam restorations.
The United States of America Food and Drug Administration has not recently reviewed the safety of amalgam restorations.
Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome (DAMS)
Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome (DAMS) is a support group of patients that feels a strong dedication towards informing fellow citizens of the health hazards associated with mercury amalgam fillings. Most of our members attribute their adverse health history to the hazards associated with the amalgam. We are all volunteers. A basic information packet is available from DAMS. A 7$ donation to DAMS is requested for the information packet. Contact:
DAMS, Inc.
P.O. Box 64397
Virginia Beach, VA 23467-4397
1-800-311-6265
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)
If you are a mercury-free dentist or are contemplating going mercury-free, you need to join the IAOMT. The IAOMT has helped fund or has been the catalyst for much of the current scientific research demonstrating that dental amalgam is not the benign dental material that 150 years of use and the ADA would like you to believe. Furthermore, the IAOMT is doing something about Standards of Care and Protocols that protect you, your staff and the patient. For membership contact:
IAOMT
P.O. Box 608531
Orlando, FL 32860-8531
Holistic Dental Association
The Holistic Dental Association is dedicated to expanding the clinical skills of conscientious dentists for the year 2000 and beyond. They have a dentist referal service.
HDA
Box 5007
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 259-1091American College of Advancement in Medicine (ACAM)
An association of doctors who practice alternative or complementary medicine. Most of them also practice chelation therapy, which is used to detoxify the body.
ACAM
P.O. Box 3427
Laguna Hills, CA 92654
American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM)
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine is dedicated to the purpose of recognition, treatment and prevention of illness induced by exposures to biological and chemical agents encountered in air, food, and water. AAEM members recognize that human beings, though marvelously adaptable, must struggle to cope with an often hostile environment. Environmental Medicine is an integration of concepts drawn from both the primary and specialty care medical fields and the basic sciences. Discovering the cause-and-effect relationships of disease allows a physician to initiate treatment protocols that can result in genuine healing.
AAEM
P.O. Box CN1001-8001
New Hope, PA 18938
American Academy of Nerotherapy
The American Academy of Nerotherapy is an educational organization
that sponcers seminars, some of which focus on toxicity. They
have a doctor referal service.
American Academy of Nerotherapy
410 East Denny Way #18
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 749-9967
www.neuraltherapy.com
Consumers for Dental Choice (CDC)
A project of the National Institute for Science, Law, and Public Policy created to "level the playing field " between the powerful state Dental Boards and all licensed dentists, whether or not mercury-free. Furthermore, CDC has grown to involve Governors, Attorney Generals, and Directors of Health in the fight to allow dentists to practice which ever way within their professional opinion is safe and effective.
CDC
1424 16th Street, NW Suite 105
Washington, D.C. 20036
Bio-Probe Inc. has several books pertaining to dental amalgam mercury. They advertise these books on the world wide web at http://www.bioprobe.com.
A quarterly International DAMS Newsletter is published quarterly. The subscription price is $25.00 per year. Contact DAMS, Inc., P.O. Box 64397 Virginia Beach, VA 23467-4397.
The Bio-Probe Newsletter is published bi-monthly. Editorial office is at 5508 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32810. The subscription price is $65.00 per year for USA and Canadian subscribers, and $85.00 per year for other countries. Postage paid at Orlando.
Detailed amalgam discriptions can be found at:
http://vest.gu.se/~bosse/Mercury/Ulf/Instab
http://vest.gu.se/~bosse/Mercury/Mouth/Mail/gammalcontra.html
Scientific information can be found at:
http://www.altcorp.com
XVI) Amalgam Related Conventions
The next IAOMT and DAMS meeting is schedualed for October 8 & 9, 1999 at the Sheraton Perimeter Center Hotel and Suites in Atlanta, GA, 30346, Telephone (770) 496-6800. The next meeting after that is schedualed for xx.
If you are a health care professional, please make reservations through the IAOMT at:
IAOMT
P.O. Box 608531
Orlando, FL 32860-8531
If you are a DAMS member or would like to join please make reservations at:
DAMS, Inc.
P.O. Box 64397
Virginia Beach, VA 23467-4397
XVII) Request for Finincial Support of Web Page
The development, opperation and expansion of this web page and other DAMS activities are made possible by funding from viewers like you. Please make a $25 to $100 or more donation to DAMS Inc. DAMS Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization so all funds that you donate may be used as federal income tax deductions (Federal Tax I.D.# 85-0391003). We thank you in advance for the donations. Please send your donations to:
DAMS Inc.
3236 17th Ave.South #1
Minneapolis, MN 55407
XVIII) The Mercury Free and Healthy Campaign (Bumper Sticker Orders)
DAMS has developed a bumper sticker titled "Mercury Free and Healthy." It advertises this web page www.amalgam.org. These bumper stickers are available in bundels of 100 for $50US plus shipping cost. Purchases can be made using Visa and Mastercard. They can be ordered from:
Northern Sun Merchandizing
2916 East Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-2001
800 258-8579
(612) 729-0149 faximile
E mail: [email protected]