The fact that a challenge test with a chelating agent shows that a quantity
of a particular element can be removed from the body proves nothing in
itself. Since we installed an ICP-MS I have had the chance to have a look
at the results of challenge tests with several chelating agents and the
amounts of a variety of metals that appear in the urine are striking.
I am not aware of any evidence that the amounts of inorganic mercury
leached from dental amalgams cause toxic effects other than rare cases of
intra-oral mucosal hypersensitivity. Methylmercury is a lot more toxic but
even then it is hard to demonstrate effects from chronic low-level oral
exposure. The only data I know of is that on methylmercury from whalemeat
in the offspring of pregnant Faroe islanders.
Bruce Campbell
****************************************
Bruce Campbell FRCPA FAACB
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology
Ph 61 (0)7 3377 8672
Fax 61 (0)7 3870 5989
Email [log in to unmask]
****************************************
------ACB discussion List Information--------
This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical
community working in clinical biochemistry.
Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed
via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and
they are responsible for all message content.
ACB Web Site
http://www.acb.org.uk
List Archives
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html
List Instructions (How to leave etc.)
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/
|