There was an article in one of my 'doctor's newspapers' discussing
this issue.
The executive director of the Australian Dental Association was
quoted as saying that "The amount (of mercury) is relatively
negligible compared with other sources of mercury in the environment.
A person who has a lot of amalgam fillings releases about 2
micrograms of mercury per day, but is exposed to at least 10
micrograms of mercury per day through their diet".  This apparently
follows on from an American Dental Association report also confirming
their safety.
The executive director believed it was unlikely any ill effects would
be attributed to dental amalgam. " Most of the mercury released from
fillings is expired rather than ingested. The mercury is not in its
toxic organic form - methyl mercury - which is how it appears in the
food chain"

Hope this helps

Fiona


Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC               [log in to unmask]
Lactation Consultant, Family Physician
Perth Western Australia