Historical exposure to mercury among Norwegian dental personnel

Exposure to mercury among Norwegian dentists and dental healthcare personnel

“…While agreeing with much of what Svendsen et al (1) reported in their investigation, we would like to raise two points.…”

Pregnancy outcomes among female dental personnel – a registry-based retrospective cohort study

“…The main concern when this study was initiated was exposure to metallic mercury vapor, but with the available data it was not possible to estimate this exposure reliably. We do, however, have reason to assume that both dentists and dental assistants in Norwegian dental healthcare were exposed to metallic mercury to a varying degree at least until 1990 (17). Working as dental personnel in the period before delivery was used as an indicator of occupational exposure.…”

“…In 1973, the levels of mercury vapor were measured in 15 dental clinics, and the reported mean level was 0.043 mg/m 3 with measurements ranging from 0.00-0.40 mg/m 3 (19). Dental silver amalgam has been widely used, with different preparation methods causing variable levels of exposure throughout the years (17). Due to the introduction of prefabricated capsules, the exposure has been negligible since about 1990 (18) and, from 2008 onwards, the use of dental amalgam has been prohibited in Norway.…”

“…In Norway, the degree of exposure to mercury among dental personnel has varied considerably over the last 50 years (17)(18). Until the 1980s, a special form of copper amalgam (consisting of 70% mercury and 30% copper) was commonly used for restoring deciduous teeth.…”

Cognitive function among sons of women who worked in dentistry

“…Pre-prepared capsules of dental amalgam were introduced in the 1980s, resulting in less mercury contamination in the working environment (14). In the 1960s and 1970s, before the capsules were introduced, mercury levels were higher, as indicated by the higher levels in dental workers' urine.…”