Dental Amalgam Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Overview

“This product contains mercury, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.”

“Mercury may accumulate in the body which may cause adverse health effects.”

“Repeated low exposure or very high single exposure can cause Mercury poisoning.  Symptoms include tremors (shaking), trouble remembering and concentrating, gum problems, increased salivation, loss of appetite and weight, and changes in mood or personality.”“Mercury may lower sex drive.”

“Mercury can cause urinary problems, visual disturbances, tremors, salivation, stomatitis, loss of teeth, blue lines on gums or neurotoxic/nephrotoxic effects.”“Do not touch spilled mercury.  Collect the mercury droplets using specialized mercury vacuum cleaner.”

“Separate work and street clothing.  Store work clothing in special lockers.  Showers to be taken before chaning (sic) into street clothes.  Provide pre-placement and periodic medical exams for those regularly exposed to mercury with emphasis directed to CNS-central nervous system, skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, and G.I. tract.”

“Mercury: Poison by inhalation.  Human gastrointestinal tract and central nervous effects.”

“Mercury is highly toxic, irritating and causes sensitization and neurological symptoms.”“Mercury causes severe, adverse health effects after chronic exposure to low vapor levels.  Emergency response efforts must be directed to removal of all traces of this product.”“The principal target organ associated with chronic Mercury exposure via inhalation is the central nervous system.  Such exposures lead to the development of “Erethism.”  This syndrome consists of subtle or dramatic changes in behavior or personality: depression, fearfulness, restlessness, irritability, timidity, and indecision. These psychic and behavioral characteristics are often accompanied by insomnia, drowsiness, headache, fatigue.  In advanced cases, memory loss, hallucinations, and mental deterioration may occur.”“This product is reported to cause reproductive effects in humans.  Impotence has been reported in over-exposed males.  Women occupationally exposed have reported menstrual disturbances, reduced ovulation, and spontaneous abortions.  Mercury is excreted in breast milk.”Pre-existing respiratory problems, dermatitis, central nervous system disorders, kidney problems, and liver dysfunction can be aggravated by exposure to this product.”“Mercury can be harmful or fatal to contaminated plant or animal life.”

“Chronic exposure appears more common than acute and is primarily associated with central nervous system damage which can be permanent (ex. paresthesia of the hands, lips, feet).  Early signs of toxicity include weakness, fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and gastrointestinal disturbances.  If exposure levels are high, characteristic tremors of the fingers, eyelids, and lips occur with progression to generalized tremors of the entire body.  Psychic disorders are noticeable and characterized by behavior and personality changes, increased excitability, memory loss, and depression.”

“To promote safe handling, each customer or recipient should (1) notify its employees, agents, contractors, and others whom it knows or believes will use this material of information regarding hazards or safety (2) furnish this same information to each of its customers for the product and (3) request its customers to notify their employees, customers, and other users of the product of this information.”

“Toxic by inhalation.”