Contrary to the World Health Organization’s confirmed view that dental amalgam is the greatest source of mercury vapour in the non-industrially exposed population, significantly exceeding that from food or air, Mrs Panabaka Lakshmi, the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare said that there is no data to substantiate the side effects of silver fillings in the tooth which is blend of silver and mercury.

Unmindful of the fact that “Lurking Menace: Mercury In the Health Care Sector”, a recent Toxics Link report which highlighted the harmful effects of mercury and dental amalgam based on several research studies, the Minister informed the Lok Sabha on 7th July 2004 that mercury used in amalgams do not pose health risk except in rare instances.

Numerous studies have linked brain damage in babies to mercury poisoning of their mothers as a result of eating contaminated fish. Most people are primarily exposed to methylmercury through eating contaminated fish. However, additional mercury exposures can occur through dental amalgams and certain occupational activities.

The United Nations Environment Pprogramme’s Global Mercury Assessment report unequivocally stated "Mercury is a substance that can be transported in the atmosphere and in the oceans around the globe, travelling hundreds and thousands of miles from where it is emitted. It has long been recognised as a health hazardous substance".

Findings from the global study of mercury have recognized dental amalgams among the important sources of mercury releases. The report was presented to all environment ministers from across the world. It is high time our Ministry of health and ministry of environment ceased to exist in isolation as islands.

Mercury and its even more hazardous compounds, such as methylmercury, are highly toxic and can build up the bodies of wildlife and humans. Effects on the brain can include irritability, tremors, and disturbances to vision, memory loss, impaired coordination and other adverse effects. Fetuses, the newborn and young children are particularly vulnerable because of the sensitivity of the developing nervous system.

Scientific evidence links mercury exposure to cardiovascular problems including raised blood pressure, palpitations and heart disease. Other effects have been found on the thyroid gland, which regulates growth, the digestive system, the liver and the skin including peeling on hands and feet, itching and rashes.

Studies have demonstrated unequivocally that mercury vapour is continuously released from amalgam fillings in measurable quantities. These studies have shown that the mercury migrates throughout the body. A study of 180 dentists has found that the dentists had up to four times tthe normal levels of mercury in their urine and nails and had more kidney disorders and memory lapses than the general public.

The dental amalgam adversely affects a patient’s health. The most fundamental health flaw is that all amalgam metals are cation i.e. ion with positive charge. The net result of the tendency for covalent, ionic and metallic bonding between amalgam cation is a weak repulsion. So there is a sustained release of mercury and other metals from the amalgam into the body. Researchers have measured a daily release of mercury on the order of 10 micrograms from the amalgam into the body. Mercury is a toxic metal: the minutest amount damages cells.

In a study involving 45 women dentists, and 31 dental nurses, a positive association was found between elevated mercury levels and incidence of malformations and aborted pregnancies.

Alternatives to amalgam are readily available in the form of composites, ceramics, inomers etc. The technology involved in composite formulations has made tremendous strides in improving the wear, strength, appearance, setting characteristics and other qualities.Many countries like Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Austria have put in place measures to reduce or even phase –out mercury in the dental sector.

However in India the regulation and safeguards for handling mercury are virtually non-existent. Mercury pollution compromises the most basic human rights-of life, work in safe environments and right to clean food and water. At present there are no regulations regarding this waste disposal: it eventually finds its way in the municipal bin.