WASHINGTON, District of Columbia – Characterizing dental mercury as "safe" based on two studies appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association's April 19 issue is unscientific, say a leading scientist, mercury-free dentists and advocates. Several groups also question the ethics of exposing children to a neurotoxin.

"Numerous studies show that mercury accumulates in the brain and major organs in proportion to the number of amalgam fillings, and can cause neurological problems later in life," said Michael Bender of the Mercury Policy Project. "Thus, exposing children to a neurotoxin is highly questionable and may be unethical."

In an accompanying JAMA editorial, Dr. Herbert L. Needleman of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine said that the studies could not detect the effects of toxic exposure over time nor the subtle effects of those with a genetic vulnerability to mercury.

"It is predictable that some outside interests will expand the modest conclusions of these studies to assert that use of mercury amalgam in dentistry is risk-free," Dr. Herbert Needleman wrote. "This conclusion would be unfortunate and unscientific."

"The authors admit that their studies did not address genetic sensitivity to mercury and neurological problems arising from exposure that may occur over time," said Bender. "The studies also didn't address the risks to the fetus from maternal mercury exposure."

While amalgam makers warn dentists about amalgam, these risks aren't passed on to patients, said Bender. Warnings from amalgam maker Dentsply/Caulk states: "The use of amalgam is contraindicated. In children 6 and under..." and "...In expectant mothers."

To find out what the American public knows about dental mercury, Zogby International recently conducted a poll for MPP. The results are as follows:

• Most Americans (76 percent) don't know mercury is the primary component of amalgam fillings;
• Americans overwhelmingly (92 percent) want to be informed of their options with respect to mercury and non-mercury dental filling materials prior to treatment;
• The majority (77 percent) of Americans would choose higher cost fillings that do not contain mercury if given the choice;
• Close to half (47 percent) of all Americans think mercury pollution poses a serious problem for the environment;
• More than two-thirds (69 percent nationally) of New Englanders would support a ban on mercury amalgam fillings for pregnant women and children.

Mercury Policy Project

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