Influence of low frequency magnetic fields on the intra-oral release of mercury vapor from amalgam restorations.
Since the results of a preliminary study have shown that the magnetic fields of some visual display units (VDUs) increased the release of mercury from amalgam specimens, the aim of the present study was to examine whether exposure to magnetic fields might affect the mercury vapor release from amalgam restorations in humans. The test group consisted of five subjects with an average of 31.4 amalgam surfaces (range 13-48). In each of the subjects tested, the intra-oral release of mercury vapor was measured during three 9-h periods at intervals of 30 to 90 min, using a standardized schedule and standardized food. During the first 9-h period which served as control, no intentional magnetic fields were applied. During the second and the third 9-h period, magnetic fields with flux densities of 20 microT at 30 kHz or 500 microT at 50 Hz, respectively, were applied. Although these flux densities were one thousand times higher than those caused by VDUs, no effects could be found on the release of mercury vapor from the amalgam restorations. The results of the present study do not support the assumption that exposure to magnetic fields increases the mercury vapor release from amalgam restorations in humans.
Berglund
A
A
Department of Dental Materials Science, Faculty of Odontology, Umeå University, Sweden. Anders.Berglund@denmatsc.umu.se
Bergdahl
J
J
Hansson Mild
K
K
D000328:Adult; D016288:Computer Terminals; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000737:chemistry*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000737:chemistry*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014835:Volatilization
D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury