Mercury from Maternal "Silver" Tooth Fillings in Sheep and Human Breast
Milk.
eonatal uptake of mercury (Hg) from milk was
examined in a pregnant sheep model, where radioactive mercury silver tooth
fillings (amalgam) were newly placed. A crossover experimental design was
used in which lactating ewes nursed foster lambs. In a parallel study, the
relationship between dental history and breast milk concentration of Hg
was also examined in 33 lactating women. Results from the animal studies
showed that, during pregnancy, a primary fetal site of amalgam Hg
concentration in the liver, and, after delivery, the neonatal lamb kidney
receives additional amalgam Hg from mother's milk. In lactating women with
aged amalgam fillings, increased Hg excretion in breast milk and urine
correlated with the number of fillings or Hg vapor concentration level in
mouth air. It was concluded that Hg originating from maternal amalgam
tooth fillings transfers across the placenta to the fetus, across the
mammary gland into milk ingested by the newborn, and ultimately into
neonatal body tissues. Comparisons are made to the U.S. minimal risk level
recently established for adult Hg exposure. These findings suggest that
placement and removal of "silver" tooth fillings in pregnant and lactating
humans will subject the fetus and neonate to unnecessary risk of Hg
exposure. MJ Vimy, DE Hooper, WW King, FL Lorscheider. Biol Trace Elem Res
1997;56:143-152
Copyright © 2003 Anamol Laboratories Ltd.
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