New Study Reveals Health Risks of Mercury Dental Fillings in Pregnant Women

Correlation Between Mercury Vapour and Elevated Levels in Pregnant Women

USA: A recent study conducted by the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) has uncovered concerning implications regarding the use of mercury amalgam dental fillings in pregnant women. 

Titled “Estimated mercury vapor exposure from amalgams among American pregnant women” and published in Human and Experimental Toxicology, the study analyzed data from over 1.6 million pregnant women in the United States, drawing attention to the correlation between mercury vapor released from dental amalgams and elevated levels of mercury in pregnant women.

Disturbing Findings and Public Health Concerns

Key findings of the study revealed that approximately 36% of pregnant women studied had at least one dental amalgam, leading to significantly higher median daily urinary mercury excretion rates compared to those without amalgams. 

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Alarmingly, a considerable proportion of these women were exposed to daily mercury vapor doses from dental amalgams exceeding safety limits set by health agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California EPA. This underscores a critical public health concern, particularly concerning fetal and maternal health risks associated with prenatal mercury vapor exposure.

Call for Immediate Action and Policy Changes

Dr. Ted Herrmann, President of the IABDM, emphasized the inadequacy of current warnings issued by the FDA regarding amalgam use, stating, “Mercury dental fillings should be banned.” 

The study calls for urgent attention and action to reassess the use of dental amalgams, especially among vulnerable populations like pregnant women and their unborn children. It underscores the necessity for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals and the public regarding the potential dangers of mercury vapor exposure from dental amalgam fillings.

Advocating for Further Research and Policy Reevaluation

The authors of the study advocate for additional research and a shift in dental practice policies to mitigate the identified risks and ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant women. 

As discussions surrounding the safety of dental amalgams continue, this study serves as a crucial catalyst for reevaluating current practices and implementing measures to safeguard the health of pregnant women and future generations.

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