An in vitro and in vivo Study of the Release of Mercury Vapor from Different Types of Amalgam Alloys

Abstract

The aim of the in vitro part of the study was to measure the rate of release of mercury vapor from different types of dental amalgam in air, and in air during cyclic dipping into isotonic saline solution or Fusayama solution. The measurements were carried out by means of the Mercollector/Mercometer system, based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both new (age ∼ 2 months) and old (age ∼ 1.5 years) amalgam specimens were studied. The variations in the rate of release of mercury vapor in air during cyclic dipping into aqueous media were most pronounced during the first day of the 10-day period studied. In air during cyclic dipping into the aqueous media, the conventional amalgam specimens released mercury vapor at lower rates over the whole period than did the dispersed and single-composition types studied. The aim of the in vivo part of the study was to determine the daily release of mercury vapor from amalgam restorations made of alloys of the same types and batches as those used in the in vitro part of the study. A series of measurements was carried out on each of eight subjects before and after amalgam therapy. None of the subjects was occupationally exposed to mercury. The subjects had to follow a standardized schedule for 24 h, where they ate, drank, and brushed their teeth at predetermined times (Berglund, 1990). The amount of mercury vapor released per time unit was measured at intervals of 30-45 min. Samples of urine and saliva were analyzed for mercury. The average frequency of fish meals per month was noted. The amalgam therapy— i.e ., from 3 to 6 occlusal amalgam surfaces and from 3 to 10 surfaces in total-had very little influence on the intra-oral release of mercury vapor, regardless of amalgam type used, nor were any effects found on mercury levels in urine and saliva.