Amalgam in and out of body - Biology Forum

last updated by

canalon 16 years, 12 months ago

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- January 30, 2008 at 9:44 pm #9027
  ohiolighthouse
  Participant
  I’m in dental assisting school. We’ve been discussing amalgam restorations. The hazzards of handling amalgam. One of the questions that came up was:
  "Why is it "safe" to have amalgam restorations in the mouth but it’s very hazardous and toxic to handle it outside of the body?"
  I have researched and researched and have not been able to come up with an answer or a web site that can direct me to answers. If someone can help me along with this or direct me to some knowledgable reading i would appreciate it.
  Thanks in advance!
- January 31, 2008 at 2:48 am #81282
  canalon
  Participant
  The fact is that the mercury as a metal is not really toxic, it is the salts that ae toxic. But when you have pure mercury it can oxidise quickly and release toxic vapours. I guess that once amalgamated it does not oxidise that easily. At least deep in your mouth and mostly wet do not leave a lot of opportunity for oxidation.
  More detail, and your question is discussed in that page:
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_%28element%29
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