A teleconference on June 10 featured leading experts on the health dangers of mercury amalgam dental fillings, as well as an attorney who represents Consumers for Dental Choice, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group.

The teleconference focused on the recent dramatic reversal of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's position on dental fillings containing mercury. On June 4, 2008, the FDA's Web site publicly acknowledged their potential neurotoxic effects on pregnant women, fetuses, children, and certain other individuals. The acknowledgment came after the FDA settled several protracted lawsuits with consumer advocacy groups that litigated for FDA action to protect dental consumers.

Specifically, the FDA stated, "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses. Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner." ...

June 17 &mdash

Today at 12 noon EDT, I participated in a followup press teleconference where scientists and dentists said the health risks from mercury tooth fillings were understated in the FDA's recent settlement. Their purpose was to correct misconceptions following the FDA's attempt to settle lawsuits. ... "While the Academy's [IAOMT's] scientists and mercury-free dentists applaud the recent attention given to this critical issue, they are deeply concerned that the FDA's settlement pays little attention to the effects mercury has on dental employees, who are often exposed to several times the occupationally safe mercury exposure levels according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and more than 150 times the standard for the general public," IAOMT said earlier in a statement.

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