Evaluation of systemic mercury levels in dental professionals. Part III:cross-sectional evaluation

Abstract

This study measured the mercury levels in dental professionals with regard to the time of exposure to amalgam compared to unexposed individuals. Sixty urine samples were collected and divided into six groups: (1) individuals with amalgam fillings; (2) individuals without amalgam fillings; (3) students after their first occupational contact; (4) dentists with less than one year in the profession; (5) dentists working for 5 to 10 years; and (6) dentists working for 15 to 20 years. Mercury in urine samples was determined by using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The analysis of the results showed that there was a statistical significant difference between groups (p = 0.01012). There is a potential risk of increasing systemic mercury levels associated with the manipulation of dental amalgam, although the results were within the limits of biological tolerance as proposed by the WHO.