New study reveals mercury exposure from dental amalgam fillings in pregnant women exceeds safe limits
FDA Warnings for Mercury Dental Fillings
CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) urgently points to a worrying study, entitled “Estimated exposure to mercury vapor from amalgams among US pregnant women.This study presents ground-breaking findings on mercury vapor exposure from dental amalgam of pregnant women in the United States.
This comprehensive research, published in the journal Human and Experimental Toxicology, was based on data from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2015-2020), which analyzed exposure to mercury vapor in approximately 1.67 million pregnant women. Composite fillings are becoming the choice of many dentists and their patients, yet 120 million Americans still have amalgam fillings. In this study, about 1 in 3 women were found to have 1 or more amalgam surfaces. In women with amalgam veneers, the number of veneers was associated with significantly higher mean daily urinary mercury excretion compared with women without amalgam veneers. Specifically, nearly 30% of these women received daily doses of mercury vapor from amalgams that exceeded the safety limits set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
In September 2020, the The FDA has updated its guidelines for amalgam fillings, highlighting their risks to certain vulnerable groups. They particularly noted the risk of fetal exposure during pregnancy, advising against amalgam enrichment for women from the fetal stage to menopause. The FDA also recommended that children, people with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, people with impaired kidney function, and anyone with a known sensitivity to mercury or amalgam components should avoid these fillings .
“The findings of this study highlight the need for increased awareness of the risks to dental patients and policy changes regarding the use of dental amalgams,” said Dr. Charles Cupril, President of the IAOMT. “The FDA’s warnings about amalgam are not enough. Mercury amalgam dental fillings should be banned by the FDA as they pose a serious health risk to everyone who has amalgam fillings, especially pregnant women and those of childbearing age.”
Resources for dental professionals and patients on the negative health effects of dental mercury amalgam fillings, as well as a list of IAOMT biological dentists certified in the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) are at IAOMT.org
About IAOMT:
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is a global organization dedicated to promoting safe and biocompatible dental practices. Comprised of leading dentists, scientists and fellow professionals, IAOMT provides evidence-based education, research and support to improve the oral health and overall well-being of patients worldwide.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kym Smith
IAOMT Executive Director
info@iaomt.org
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