[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22805]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




AGAINST H.R. 4163--PROHIBIT AFTER 2006 THE INTRODUCTION INTO INTERSTATE 
COMMERCE OF MERCURY INTENDED FOR USE IN A DENTAL FILLING AND FOR OTHER 
                                PURPOSES

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you for 
holding this hearing concerning the risk of mercury poisoning from the 
dental amalgam, which has been used for more than 150 years. According 
to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there is ``more significant 
human experience with dental amalgam than any other restorative 
material.'' Any adverse outcomes of mercury in amalgam would have first 
manifested in Dentists and their staff due to their daily exposure. The 
American Dental Association Health Foundation (ADAHF) has done research 
regarding the mean urinary mercury levels of dentists from 1975 to 2001 
and have found that dentist urinary mercury levels are well below 
established limits for occupational exposure. Furthermore the American 
Dental Association (ADA) investigators have done studies and research 
to find any possible correlation between kidney dysfunction and urinary 
mercury levels and found none.
  In addition, the FDA through various U.S. Public Health Services 
(PHS) agencies reviewed claims of mercury exposure measurements and 
fetal mercury exposure and concluded that dental amalgam do not share 
the same toxicity characteristics of mercury and there is no evidence 
that individuals with dental amalgam restorations will experience 
adverse health effects from these restorations. Various disease 
organizations like The Alzheimer's Association, the Autism Society of 
America, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American 
Academy of Pediatrics have stated that there is no scientific evidence 
linking dental amalgam with any known disease or syndrome that the 
groups track. Other organizations like the Center for Disease Control 
and Prevention, the World Health Organization, U.S. Federal Agencies 
and International Organizations and expert groups from Sweden, New 
Zealand, Canada and the European Commission have concluded that there 
is no direct evidence that dental amalgam has an adverse effect on 
patient's health except with isolated cases of allergic reactions. Also 
it is safe and cost effective.
  Banning dental amalgam and using alternative types of fillings will 
only place additional financial burden on low-income individuals and 
the special needs population. Most insurance programs, whether private 
or Medicaid, pay for the lowest dental cost restorative material and 
would not pay for alternative dental options. This will only result in 
an even higher dental disease rate and dental need among low-income and 
special needs populations.
  In conclusion, dental amalgam is deemed as a serviceable, safe, cost 
effective restorative material, which is backed by scientific evidence 
and research approved by the ADA and FDA.

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