Mercury Amalgam Dental Fillings — Minamata Convention Phase-Down, Elemental Mercury Vapor Exposure, FDA Class II Device (Hg0 Off-Gassing, Occupational Risk) — safety profile
Moderate riskDental amalgam, composed of approximately 50% elemental mercury (Hg0) mixed with silver, tin, copper, and zinc alloy powder, has been used in over 1 billion fillings worldwide since the 1830s.
What is this product?
Dental amalgam, composed of approximately 50% elemental mercury (Hg0) mixed with silver, tin, copper, and zinc alloy powder, has been used in over 1 billion fillings worldwide since the 1830s. The material continuously releases low-level mercury vapor during chewing, bruxism, and hot food/beverage consumption — studies using intra-oral mercury vapor analyzers demonstrate 1-3 micrograms Hg0/day from a typical amalgam-bearing dentition (8-10 fillings), contributing an estimated 50-70% of total mercury body burden in amalgam patients. The WHO confirmed in 2003 that dental amalgam is the largest single source of mercury exposure in non-occupationally exposed individuals. The 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury (ratified by 140+ countries) mandates a phase-down of dental amalgam use, with specific prohibitions for children under 15, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women in EU Regulation 2017/852. The FDA classifies amalgam as a Class II medical device and issued a 2020 safety communication recommending alternatives for sensitive populations. Occupational exposure to dental personnel during amalgam placement and removal is a separate significant concern.
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