In a message dated 8/14/2001 9:04:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
> I recall seeing a blob of mercury rolling around when the dentist was > prepping the amalgam. > > As far as safety is concerned, it seems to me that working with > mercury -- at arm's length, with rubber gloves, masks, plenty of > ventilation -- is quite different than, uhh, sucking on it, 24/7 for > the rest of your life. > Mike: I guess THAT answers my question. Now let's examine your statement, " ... it seems to me that working with mercury -- at arm's length, with rubber gloves, masks, plenty of ventilation -- is quite different than, uhh, sucking on it, 24/7 for the rest of your life." Since silver and mercury are not only alloyed, but FAR more importantly, form a high stabile intermetallic compound, you cannot compare the dentist's mercury exposure with what is going on in your mouth. For example, sodium and chlorine are both highly corrosive and poisonous. Yet, you put them in your mouth every day in the form of salt. Therefore, we have to look at mercury concentration in various areas in the body to get some idea about mercury toxicity. Finding the SOURCE of this toxicity, if such exists, is quite another question, however. Roger
