Environmental Pollutants
Other Contaminants
|
The connection between mercury poisoning and dental amalgam fillings
Carol Ward worked as a library branch supervisor and reference librarian at the Free Library of Philadelphia for many years. She was also a frequent jogger until she contracted a bizarre illness. This illness made moving and even sitting upright in a chair difficult. By the age of 45, she could no longer work, and had to be confided to a bed. After many years of doctors unable to pinpoint her condition, she finally was diagnosed with mercury poisoning due to her dental amalgam fillings.
Carol’s symptoms included:
- Digestive disorders
- Urinary and kidney infections
- Memory loss
- Low thyroid
- Equilibrium problems
- Visual field problems
- Depression
It was only after her fillings were replaced by ones that did not contain mercury did she begin to recover (FDA.gov). In the meantime, Carol faced years of unemployment, pain and suffering, and costly medical bills.
Since finding out what kind of condition Carol had, she joined the group DAMS, which stands for Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions. This group reports many cases each year of mercury poisoning from what is believed to be the amalgam fillings in the teeth.
As part of weitzlux.com’s on-going commitment to provide you with the latest news on dental amalgam fillings, we have compiled current information and resources. Please, check back frequently for updates.
What are dental amalgam fillings?
Dental amalgam fillings, sometimes referred to as “silver fillings,” are comprised of 50 percent mercury and 50 percent other metals (Amalgam.org). The mercury component allows the amalgam to become malleable, and then hardened to fit and hold in a space.
What is being done?
In December, 2010, an administration advisory committee pleaded with the FDA to revisit the possible dangers of dental fillings that contain mercury. The FDA listened to testimony by dental groups and consumers who claim that the FDA did not test the risks of dental fillings containing mercury properly.
"We need to see where the science is and if there are gaps," said Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, the panel's chairwoman, as well as a dentist and researcher with the University of Pennsylvania (CNN).
Shortly after hearing the committee, the FDA agreed to revisit the decision they made previously declaring mercury in fillings to be safe (LA Times).
Symptoms of mercury poisoning
The type of mercury in amalgam fillings is called methylmercury. The symptoms of this particular kind of mercury poisoning include (Medicinenet):
- Inability to coordinate movements
- Impaired peripheral vision
- Disturbances in sensations (a "pins and needles" feeling, usually in the hands, feet, and around the mouth)
- Impaired speech, hearing, walking
- Muscle fatigue
According to the DAMS website (www.flcv.com), symptoms of mercury poisoning can also include:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Oral lichen planus
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Lupus
- Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Miscarriages
- Birth defects
What Can Be Done
Those that have experienced severe symptoms from mercury poisoning caused by dental amalgam fillings can file a lawsuit. Weitz & Luxenberg can help in this process. Our experienced lawyers can get you compensation for your losses incurred from mercury poisoning. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.
see also:
Mercury Poisoning and Dental Fillings
Mercury poisoning linked to dental fillings: information and resourcesDental fillings can be a surprising source of Mercury Poisoning. Find out more about this silent threat,
Mercury
New EPA mercury regulations to hold mining companies accountableAre you being exposed to mercury levels beyond EPA regulation? Trust Weitz & Luxenberg to help.
