When covering the 2010 FDA dental products panel hearing on the safety of dental amalgam fillings, the press widely promoted the "red herring" comment from FDA panelist, Susan Griffin (of the EPA). The comment was directed at the assertion that the Fawer study should not be relied on for the basis of a risk assessment because many of the workers in the study were also exposed to chlorine, which inhibits uptake of mercury (up to 40%).
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, a scientific organization made up of dental, medical and research professionals submitted a petition for reconsideration to the FDA in 2009. This petition pointed out the inaccuracies, inconsistencies and flawed science the FDA relied upon, and urged them to reconsidertheir ruling. The FDA convened a new dental products panel meeting in December 2010, to re-evaluate the issues brought up in the petition for reconsideration.
A consumer activist, who attended the 2010 FDA hearings on amalgam safety, videotaped the event and has uploaded many important presentations from the hearings to the youtube channel, mercurymatters. Available videos include consumer safety organizations, scientists, mercury free dentists, injured consumers and dental staff.
The current scientific debate regarding the safety of amalgam dental restorations being conducted in the US is presented. The material is based on a meeting held on December 14 and 15, 2010 by the Dental Products Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration. The scientific and historic context of the debate is provided, followed by scientific arguments, public testimony and panel deliberations.
The FDA was charged with evaluating and classifying medical devices in 1976. Amalgam manufacturers have been able to successfully shirk the burden of proving safety, which should rightfully be assigned to them. If the FDA assigns the burden to prove harm to U.S. consumer groups, the FDA condemns itself to perpetual study and inaction. This will result in an ineffective agency and an unprotected public, devastated by preventable degenerative disease.
Mercuryexposure.info was created and is maintained by consumers injured from exposure to mercury vapor and particles released by their dental amalgam fillings during placement, polishing, removal and day to day use. We are dedicated to providing accurate, up to date information on the many facets of dental mercury amalgam fillings.
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