This is one of the most hazardous substances used in dentistry and all staff must be aware of its potential hazards. Mercury hazards in dentistry. Also known as 'silver fillings', amalgams are commonly used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth. Dental amalgam is a silver-coloured mercury-containing product that many people are familiar with. Elemental mercury makes up about 50% of dental … N Z Dent J. Arrangements are made by Area Pharmaceutical Store to deal with such waste, and staff there should be contacted for further information. Symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning (tiredness, fatigue and lethargy) are difficult to identify but deaths in dental practice from acute poisoning have been reported. Amalgam is not the sole hazardous waste of concern. 2.7 Spillage of Mercury – Cleaning Up, Reporting See appendix to this policy 2.8 Further information Potential toxicity from exposure to mercury vapor (Hg) from dental amalgam fillings is the subject of current public health debate in many countries. Metallic mercury, like other forms of mercury, occurs naturally. Mercury. Long-term use and popularity also continue to be offered as evidence of amalgam safety. Eating fish and shellfish is associated with higher mercury levels, as is working with or handling mercury in an unprotected environment, for example, amateur smelting of gold ore. Another source of mercury in humans is vapor from the metallic mercury in dental amalgam fillings. 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. Mercury for disposal is treated as special waste. Dental amalgam is a mixture of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin and copper. People with heightened sensitivity to mercury or other components of dental amalgam. 1. Mercury is a known neurotoxin, after all. PMID: 4530933 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] MeSH Terms 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. Brooks JM, Allingham PM. Label the package clearly as a mercury hazard. 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. Dental amalgam danger exists because mercury fillings are associated with a number of human health risks. Carpeting should be avoided in areas where there is the potential for a mercury spill. Due to its poisonous nature, mercury can adversely affect the nervous, immune, urinary, cardiac, respiratory and digestive systems. All staff should be trained about the hazards of mercury. 1974 Jul;70(321):166-80. So while removing mercury amalgam fillings safety protocols should be taken by dentist. 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. As a result, dental professionals – including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and office staff – … Mercury is more toxic than lead, cadmium or arsenic which can accumulate in the body with long term, low level exposure. All silver-colored fillings, also called “dental amalgams,” contain 45-55% metallic mercury. Popularity also continue to be offered as evidence of amalgam safety, immune urinary! 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