The Threat of Mercury (861 hits)
Category: Science & EnvironmentalRating: 1.17 on 35 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Lisa (View user info) at 2007-02-12 05:44:02 EST
Let's play make-believe. You're at the dentist for a semiannual check-up and cleaning. He says, "It looks like you have a cavity. I'm going to drill your tooth and fill it with one of the most poisonous substances in existence. It's a known neurotoxin that impairs cognitive function, suppresses the immune system, upsets the balance of intestinal bacteria, collects in your kidneys, and causes mood instability and psychotic behavior. It remains lodged in your body tissues for decades and I'm not really sure that there's a safe threshold for exposure. But don't worry, this is a stable form."
What do you do?
a. Trust your dentist and get the cavity filled.
b. Run.
It's hard to believe that mercury, a highly toxic element, could be found anywhere near a doctor's office, let alone incorporated in treatments. But it's an acknowledged fact that silver amalgam used to fill cavities is about 50% mercury (1). It's also a fact that many vaccines are preserved with thimerosal, a mercury compound (2). Although mercury has proved to have devastating health effects, it continues to be used in the medical profession, and too many patients lack the information they deserve in order to make educated decisions regarding mercury-containing treatments.
Historical examples demonstrate mercury's effects on humans. The term "mad as a hatter" is derived from 19th century hatters who were driven insane by the inhalation of fumes from mercury, which was used to cure felt. Their symptoms included hallucinations, insomnia, tremors, speech disturbances, irritability, depression, shyness, and sometimes death (3).
Villagers near Japan's Minamata Bay suffered from mercury poisoning in the 1950s, resulting from contamination by the Chisso Corporation's mercury-containing wastewater. Those who consumed seafood from the bay experienced vision and hearing impairments, dementia, and muscle spasms, and women often gave birth to deformed children. Over 900 people died due to mercury toxicity (4).
In the 1970s, Iraq received a shipment of Mexican seed grain treated with a mercury-containing fungicide. Many Iraqis, unable to read the packages' Spanish warnings, milled the seeds directly into flour instead of using them to plant. More than 6,000 people were hospitalized and 459 died as a result of eating poisoned bread (5).
Dental Amalgam
Controversy over the safety of mercury in dentistry is not new. Dental workers opposed amalgam restorations as early as the mid-19th century, when the American Society of Dental Surgeons mandated that its members pledge not to use amalgam fillings. Although the World Health Organization states, "recent studies suggest that mercury may have no threshold below which adverse effects do not occur (6)," today's American Dental Association asserts that the amount of mercury emitted from dental amalgam is negligible.
On its website, the ADA maintains that "Studies have failed to find any link between amalgam restorations and any medical disorder. Amalgam continues to be a safe restorative material for dental patients (7)." The ADA fails to mention the proven fact that mercury vapors are continuously released from silver fillings. It also fails to provide scientific evidence that the mercury contained in silver fillings is NOT linked to medical disorders. If you doubt that amalgam restorations leak a vaporized form of one of the most deadly poisons around, watch this video by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology: http://www.iaomt.org/merc_release.swf
Keep in mind that if you have silver fillings, this leakage of toxic vapor is occurring all day, every day, in your MOUTH. Knowing what you now know about mercury, are you okay with that? Are you willing to trust the ADA's assurance that silver amalgam is safe, despite the fact that it has failed to disclose important information to the American public?
Other countries, including Germany and Sweden, have placed restrictions on the use of dental amalgam. Health Canada suggests that amalgam placement be avoided in pregnant women, young children, and people with kidney disorders (8).
Here is a study noting a significant positive correlation between mercury levels in female dental technicians and fertility problems: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3679554&dopt=Abstract And in case you're still not convinced that dental amalgam contributes to mercury toxicity, this article details autopsy studies that show a positive correlation between the number of silver fillings and mercury levels in body tissues, particularly the brain: http://adr.iadrjournals.org/cgi/reprint/6/1/110.pdf
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is a mercury compound used to preserve many vaccines. It is a common source of children's exposure to mercury.
While the government asserts to the contrary, more and more evidence points to mercury as a major contributor to the increased rates of autism, attention deficit disorder, and general neurological problems among kids in the U.S (9).
It is interesting to note that mercury inhibits the enzyme needed to digest gluten, a protein in wheat, and casein, a protein in dairy (10). It is thought that these undigested proteins can enter the bloodstream, cause immune reactions and affect brain functioning. Parents seem to be successfully reducing their children's autism symptoms by placing them on gluten- and casein-free diets.
Other Sources and Symptoms
Aside from dental amalgam and thimerosal, mercury is present at toxic levels in many types of seafood. The EPA has specific guidelines regarding fish consumption for pregnant and nursing women, women who might become pregnant, and young children: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html
Coal-burning power plants, chlor-alkali plants, some skin lightening creams and eye cosmetics, batteries, thermostats, and glass thermometers are also sources of mercury. It's common knowledge that mercury beads from a broken thermometer shouldn't be touched, but the vapor released in the air can also reach unsafe concentrations.
A long list of symptoms apart from those mentioned is linked to mercury exposure. Because mercury suppresses the immune system, it allows yeast to proliferate. A chronic overgrowth of yeast can lead to hypoglycemia, thyroid and other hormone disorders, mood swings and depression. Mercury depletes a number of vitamins and minerals including selenium and zinc—both of which are important in the formation of hormones, detoxifying the body, and preventing cancers. It binds to sulfur-containing molecules like insulin—another way in which it interferes with the normal blood sugar processing. Chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis are all disorders with suspected links to mercury poisoning (11, 12). The latter is a study in which brain lesions similar to those occurring in Alzheimer's disease were produced in rats by mercury inhalation, an effect that other potentially toxic metals did not produce.
In light of the wide range of mercury's effects, it is safe to assume that one of the best things people you can do for yourself is reduce your exposure to mercury, especially if you already have chronic physical or psychological health problems.
Testing for and Eliminating Mercury
Testing for and removing mercury are controversial procedures. Neither blood testing nor hair analysis is widely accepted as an accurate way to test a person's mercury level. This is because mercury doesn't normally circulate throughout the body; it is stored deep in the organs and tissues and will often remain there until mobilized by a chelator. Doctors will have differing opinions, but it appears that the most logical, accurate way to test is through a challenge—your urine mercury level is measured after you've taken a chelator to provoke removal.
Once toxicity is diagnosed, you'll be placed on a mercury removal program that will likely last several months. There are various chelating agents and I wouldn't try to recommend the safest protocol. I think everyone who undergoes this process has a personal responsibility to research the different options and decide what seems safest before accepting a doctor's approach. Chelation can be dangerous if done without supervision or with an inexperienced doctor; it pulls the mercury and other metals into the bloodstream, potentially causing an exacerbation of symptoms. Some chelators also remove necessary metals like zinc, and others (natural chelators like cilantro) might not be effective enough to alone remove mercury.
It makes sense to ensure that you aren't still being chronically exposed to mercury before you try to remove it, so have your silver fillings replaced before you move on to this step. Conventional dentists are typically unaware of the safety hazards involved in amalgam removal; you'll need to see a mercury-free dentist who will use a dam and other precautions to protect you from the vapor and drilled amalgam particles, lest you risk drastically increasing your exposure to mercury during the procedure.
Of all the environmental toxins that threaten the health of Americans today, mercury deserves the most attention because of its wide range of adverse effects, its ability to cause problems at miniscule amounts, and the number of people who are exposed. I find the evidence that mercury toxicity is a widespread problem extremely hard to deny, and consequently, raising awareness of mercury poisoning is important to me. I hope at least some of you realize that you owe it to yourselves to do your own research on the subject.
References
1. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/medicalwaste/mercurypolpaper/en/
2. http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm#act
3. http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1078.php
4. http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,574782,00.html
5. http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/TXSHhg.shtml
6. http://www.who.int/ifcs/documents/forums/forum5/mercurypolpaper.pdf
7. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fillings_faq.asp
8. http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams2002.html
9. http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/07/01/autism_mercury_and_politics/
10.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9792955&dopt=Abstract
11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1496084&dopt=Abstract
12. http://www.neuroreport.com/pt/re/neuroreport/abstract.00001756-200103260-00024.htm;jsessionid=FP3WHL1PmK2QTGlFYclmvhpMJN1h8zQWBkSWf6ddnhQrRV0bpnQN!2089961419!-949856144!8091!-1
Other informative links:
http://www.discover.com/issues/mar-05/features/our-preferred-poison/
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-70-1178-6455/disasters_tragedies/grassy_narrows_mercury_pollution/clip3
User Reviews
Submitted by Lisa (user info) at 2007-02-14 01:14:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-02-13 21:01:47 (#)
Ranking: 0
I wasn't a dental tech, and therefore not exposed to radiation or whatever you're referring to.
I was talking...about...mercury...
Do you people have any reading comprehension skills?
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-02-13 21:01:47 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Lisa (user info) at 2007-02-12 17:43:13 (#)
Ranking: 0
And I'd be just as worried about my exposure having worked in a dental office for a few years as I would about having amalgam, especially considering the studies that show that dental technicians have lower fertility rates and more psychological problems.
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I'm glad I have you, Lisa, to worry about me. :p
I wasn't a dental tech, and therefore not exposed to radiation or whatever you're referring to.
Submitted by DesolateMisanthrope (user info) at 2007-02-13 12:23:29 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
the threat of mercury?? Why don't you write about something that actually holds any intrinsic significance? "The threat of water"
. you can drown in water if you are not circumspect (hypoxaemia)
. you can die from drinking too much water as publicised (water intoxication)
. you can die from not drinking enough fresh water (dehydration)
and yet it seems we must deal with this threat on a daily basis as humans on average are comprised of 70% water. Let us all take a pledge to further our understanding of water and the dangers associated with it.
Submitted by TheSpook (user info) at 2007-02-13 12:09:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Just wait until you find out what fiberglass does to you...
Submitted by AsshOly (user info) at 2007-02-13 03:42:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Flying_buttmonkey (user info) at 2007-02-13 03:18:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-02-12 08:47:52 (#)
Ranking: 2
Did you...did...did you just put an essay on ubersite?
*valiantly tries a slow clap*
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hahahahahahahahahahaha
Submitted by thecaes (user info) at 2007-02-12 23:33:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Hmmm.
I have some silver fillings from when I was a lad, but I'm pretty sure that in Canada they only use white fillings these days.
I wonder if I'm sucking back mercury fumes every day. Dr. Lisa, I've had these fillings for around two decades, can you tell me if I should inquire about it, or is the damage is already done and I've gone insane years ago? I certainly don't FEEL insane.
No beer and no TV make Caesar something-something.
Submitted by Lisa (user info) at 2007-02-12 17:43:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Sorry about the video link. Here's a new link to the same one: http://www.iaomt.org/videos/index.asp
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-02-12 13:42:29 (#)
Ranking: 1
I'm so glad I don't have any cavities. I guess that makes me lucky, too. :p
I worked in a dental office for 5 years and I saw some nasty stuff. Dammit, people, brush your teeth!
The "white stuff" is called resin. While resin is more desirable (presumably ONLY because it matches the color of your teeth and not for the supposed "health benefit") than amalgam, it is also more expensive. Also, generally insurance companies pay 80% on amalgam fillings and 50% for the resin, which means more out-of-pocket expense for you.
Also, I'm not sure that they use mercury in the amalgam anymore. But if you say so...I haven't done research on the topic lately.
Mercury is most definitely still in dental amalgam, as the very first reference (and probably several others) I've cited points out.
Composite resin fillings may have their own set of safety issues, but if I have to pick my poison, I choose synthetic estrogens over an easily lethal heavy metal.
And I'd be just as worried about my exposure having worked in a dental office for a few years as I would about having amalgam, especially considering the studies that show that dental technicians have lower fertility rates and more psychological problems.
Submitted by phuzzygish (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:16:32 (#)
Ranking: 2
But isn't that why they use the white stuff to fill your fillings nowadays?
My former dentist in Ohio uses amalgam. It's still accepted by the ADA, so dentists are still using it, even though it looks like it's being quietly phased out.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-02-12 16:44:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I groove on this kind of stuff. Nice work
Submitted by emmakwon (user info) at 2007-02-12 15:42:01 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
BORINGNESS
Submitted by Kaelic (user info) at 2007-02-12 15:41:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You know it's why dentists have a higher suicide rate than any other profession, despite making nice bank.
I spent $2000 to have all my silver fillings removed and replaced with composite.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-02-12 14:54:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2007-02-12 14:53:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by c1ndy (user info) at 2007-02-12 13:56:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2007-02-12 10:54:41 (#)
Ranking: 2
Good news for all of you living in New England
1.) This area of the country enjoy's the highest rate of Mercury deposition in the country. The nearly consistent rainfall year round continually precipitates the atmospheric mercury generated by cars and powerplants all up and down the east coast.
2.) Because of the wonderfull bedrock geology, New England also enjoys quite a few contaminated aquifers according to the NH EPA water quality office.
3.) People in Boston, the MWRA is currently decoupling the combined sewer systems, which means that in severe storms you'll no longer have shit discharged into the rivers and harbors. Instead local stormwater filled with toxic pollutants (including mercury) will continue to move into local water bodies, long after they claim the Boston Harbor case to be closed.
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Awwww, I thought it was going to be my England.
I might print this off for my mum- she has hudreds of mercury fillings and I keep telling her to get them redone white.
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-02-12 13:42:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Fun fact: The #1 delusion for schizophrenics in the United States is that their dentist is putting some sort of tracking device/transmitter to follow them/steal their thoughts inside their fillings.
I'm so glad I don't have any cavities. I guess that makes me lucky, too. :p
I worked in a dental office for 5 years and I saw some nasty stuff. Dammit, people, brush your teeth!
Submitted by phuzzygish (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:16:32 (#)
Ranking: 2
Good research.
But isn't that why they use the white stuff to fill your fillings nowadays?
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The "white stuff" is called resin. While resin is more desirable (presumably ONLY because it matches the color of your teeth and not for the supposed "health benefit") than amalgam, it is also more expensive. Also, generally insurance companies pay 80% on amalgam fillings and 50% for the resin, which means more out-of-pocket expense for you.
Also, I'm not sure that they use mercury in the amalgam anymore. But if you say so...I haven't done research on the topic lately.
Submitted by JDL (user info) at 2007-02-12 12:17:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
So that's what has been causing all these voices.
I'll make sure to go get some more, what a trip.
Submitted by Hagard (user info) at 2007-02-12 12:10:51 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Drink it like a man!
Submitted by Dolson (user info) at 2007-02-12 11:24:09 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Drinking Mercury
To the mystery
Of all that you should ever leave behind
In time
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2007-02-12 10:54:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good news for all of you living in New England
1.) This area of the country enjoy's the highest rate of Mercury deposition in the country. The nearly consistent rainfall year round continually precipitates the atmospheric mercury generated by cars and powerplants all up and down the east coast.
2.) Because of the wonderfull bedrock geology, New England also enjoys quite a few contaminated aquifers according to the NH EPA water quality office.
3.) People in Boston, the MWRA is currently decoupling the combined sewer systems, which means that in severe storms you'll no longer have shit discharged into the rivers and harbors. Instead local stormwater filled with toxic pollutants (including mercury) will continue to move into local water bodies, long after they claim the Boston Harbor case to be closed.
BTW the link to the video is dead.
Submitted by DrogoRoch (user info) at 2007-02-12 10:29:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:33:33 (#)
Ranking: 2
Thankfully I have impeccable teeth. Not so much as a filling in my gnashers.
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I thought they had stopped using the Mercury stuff years ago.
Submitted by phuzzygish (user info) at 2007-02-12 10:06:59 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Are the white ones mercury too? surely not?
Submitted by icarus1987 (user info) at 2007-02-12 10:05:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I just hate it when symptoms include death :-(
Submitted by iddqd (user info) at 2007-02-12 09:29:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
nice essay , ets.
however, its an interesting topic, and one worthy of actual discussion.
Submitted by Amontillado (user info) at 2007-02-12 09:22:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2007-02-12 08:05:13 (#)
Ranking: 2
I have silver fillings and I'm stable...for the most part.
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I got one of mine replaced with the white stuff last summer! Now there are only two poisonous chunks in my mouth!
Submitted by Lisa (user info) at 2007-02-12 09:21:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
*one of the best things *you* can do for yourself is reduce your exposure to mercury
Submitted by Stagger_Lee (user info) at 2007-02-12 08:47:52 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Did you...did...did you just put an essay on ubersite?
*valiantly tries a slow clap*
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2007-02-12 08:05:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I have silver fillings and I'm stable...for the most part.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2007-02-12 08:00:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I limit my exposure to Mercury by changing the radio station whenever they play Queen.
Submitted by Targa (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:52:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Well fuck me sideways. An essay. An ESSAY.
I didn't know that I wanted to know more about mercury, but this was not only well-written, but informative.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/81142
I'm glad my fillings are white (plastic?), but I don't know what problems THOSE are causing me.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:46:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Dentistry is a racket third only in client-raping unnecessary charges to real estate agency and lawyering.
Submitted by JoeyG (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:33:33 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Thankfully I have impeccable teeth. Not so much as a filling in my gnashers.
Submitted by sicosemen (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:17:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
No Comment
Submitted by phuzzygish (user info) at 2007-02-12 07:16:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good research.
But isn't that why they use the white stuff to fill your fillings nowadays?
Submitted by locksly (user info) at 2007-02-12 06:09:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Use chlorella to detox the mercury out of your system until you can afford new fillings
Submitted by messmind (user info) at 2007-02-12 06:04:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Can i send you my therapist's bill ? This new fobia is gonna cost me !
Yeeks ! I've got mercury in me ! I'm gonna die !