Who regulates dental filling materials?
If products are to be used within the European Economic Area (EEA), they are now required to be CE marked to demonstrate compliance with the Essential Requirements of the Medical Devices Directive. The system requires an assessment of toxicological risks, with identification of all hazards being the first stage of this process. In the end, no product can be proved safe, and new hazards can always be discovered. The courts ultimately decide the issue, rather than scientists. For example, breast implants were the subject of successful litigation, even though they had achieved wide acceptance following extensive use prior to the introduction of regulatory controls. How much of our day-to day mercury intake comes from dental fillings and how much comes from other sources? Exposure to mercury depends on diet, any occupational exposure, and environmental mercury levels, as well as on amalgam fillings. On average, a UK adult absorbs about 9 millionths of a gram of mercury a day from all sourc
The mercury content of urine, hair, blood, breath or finger nails can be measured and dentists and their staff can monitor their own exposure by sending specimens for laboratory testing. Patients concerned about exposure to mercury could ask dentists to arrange testing in the same way but the test could not be provided under National Health Service dental arrangements. Also, the test would not necessarily identify the source of any mercury identified.
