Occupational News and Testimonials
The effect of occupational exposure to mercury vapour on the fertility of female dental assistants
Exposure to mercury vapour or inorganic mercury compounds can impair fertility in laboratory animals. To study the effects of mercury vapour on fertility in women, eligibility questionnaires were sent to 7000 registered dental assistants. Detailed information was collected on mercury handling practices and the number of menstrual cycles without contraception it had taken them to become pregnant.
Karen Palmer, Mercury Poisoned Dental Assistant- 2006 FDA Testimony
As a dental assistant I handled mercury every day for years until 2004 when I was diagnosed with heavy metal mercury poisoning. I am disabled and can no longer work due to the neurological damage from occupational exposure to mercury.
Karen Burns, Mercury Poisoned Dental Assistant - 2010 FDA Testimony
Today I want to speak to the panel and urge them to help the FDA do their job. I testified at the FDA hearing in 2006, I watched the FDA panel vote 13-7, based on the fact that they could not prove amalgam was safe. I don't know what happened after that. It seems like they didn't do anything except make claims of safety without proof.
Dr. Graeme Munro-Hall B.D.S mercury related heart problems and UNEP work
Dr. Graeme Munro-Hall BDS discusses his mercury related heart problems and his work towards banning dental mercury amalgam by participating in the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Dr. Janet Stopka D.D.S. shares her mercury toxicity story with FDA
My name is Dr. Janet Stopka D.D.S. I am a practicing dentist from Chicago. I have not used mercury as a restorative material in 14 years and my patients are given informed consent. No one has ever asked me to place mercury in their mouth and they understand immediately its toxic. But many of them don’t know they have it in their mouth!
Dental Amalgam Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Overview
The purpose of the MSDS is to protect workers by supplying them with the most crucial facts about the hazardous material at their jobsite, such as the physical properties of the material, proper storage and handling techniques, known health risks and essential emergency procedures.
IAOMT - Safe Removal of Mercury Amalgam Fillings - Video
Dentists remove amalgam fillings every day, with no regard for the possible mercury exposure that can result from grinding them out. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has established a mercury safe protocol that protects both staff and patients during amalgam removal.
Diane Meyer DDS Recovers from her debilitating health problems due to mercury toxicity
In search of answers about her debilitating health problems, Diane Meyer, D.D.S., B.S., went from doctor to doctor and was told “It’s your hormones honey,”. Until she attended a seminar and learned of her constant exposure to mercury.
OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace free of serious recognized hazards and in compliance with OSHA Standards
You have the right to a safe workplace. OSHA requires employers to provide a workplace that is free of serious recognized hazards and in compliance with OSHA Standards. David Kennedy shares stories of occupational exposure to mercury in the dental workplace.
NIOSH - Criteria for a Recommended Standard Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Mercury
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is an agency established to help assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by providing research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health.
The Difference Between Mercury-Free and Mercury-Safe Dentistry
Mercury free dentists have been known to polish and remove "silver" amalgam fillings thereby exposing their patients and staff members to thousands of micrograms of mercury vapor and particulate matter. "Mercury Safe" dentists take every precaution to protect the patient, staff and environment from harmful mercury vapors and mercury contaminated particulate matter.
Mercury leaking from Kerr amalgam capsules during trituration
Multiple federal service dental clinics have reported that mercury is released from Kerr amalgam capsules during trituration. Users have reported mercury in the mixing chambers of their triturators and have witnessed mercury ejection during trituration. The USAF Dental Investigation Service contacted The Kerr Corporation, who confirmed mercury is released from its capsules.
Mercury toxicity in the dental office: a neglected problem
No longer can the dental profession ignore the problem of mercury contamination in the dental office. It is the moral responsibility that the dentist protect himself and his employees from any source that may be injurious to either his own physical well being or that of auxiliary personnel. It is also a legal responsibility under the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Affordable Dental Office Mercury Screening by Mercury Instruments USA
With public concerns related to mercury becoming more common, it is essential to have a partner that you can trust with your mercury compliance needs. Mercury Instruments USA has made it affordable for you to easily prove and defend that your dental practice is compliant with the OSHA & NIOSH (REL) recommended exposure limits for mercury vapor in the workplace.
OSHA rebukes the American Dental Trade Association and reiterates encapsulated amalgam is a hazard that requires an MSDS
OSHA has noted the American Dental Trade Association's (ADTA) position that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) fall within FDA's definition of labeling. As we have discussed in earlier meetings, this is unfounded.
Chronic neurobehavioural effects of elemental mercury in dentists
A significant increase in aggressive mood measured by the profile of mood states was found between exposed and control groups. This increase in aggressive mood seemed to be related to dose, suggesting possible effects of exposure to mercury vapour on personality.
Symptoms of Intoxication in Dentists Associated with Exposure to Low Levels of Mercury
The present study examined the effects of occupational exposure of a group of dentists to low levels of mercury. Analysis of the data revealed that neuropsychological, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular and dermal symptoms were more prevalent in dentists. Our findings indicate that occupational exposure of dentists to mercury, even at low levels, is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of symptoms of intoxication.
Systemic mercury levels caused by inhaling mist during high-speed amalgam grinding
This experiment has shown the following facts about the exposure of rats to an amalgam dust created by a high speed handpiece: 1.) The dust is almost immediately absorbed into the blood stream as shown by immediate increases detected by measuring the blood mercury content. 2. The heart receives extremely high levels of mercury within minutes after exposure. Eighty one times higher than the control level.
IAOMT Info-graphic - Occupational exposure to dental mercury
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology has released an info-graphic, Occupational Exposure to Dental Mercury, that outlines the many ways in which occupational exposure to dental mercury occurs.
A Review of the ADA Mercury Hygiene Recommendations
This article reviews and elaborates on the ADA’s 15-point mercury safety guidelines. Common workplace violations are highlighted, and steps for correction are cited. Practitioners can utilize this information to assist in development of an office protocol.
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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%).
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2010 FDA Amalgam Hearings
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