Dental Offices May Be Source Of Mercury Pollution
Dental Offices May Be Source Of Mercury Pollution US: April 15, 2008 NEW YORK - Dental practices may be a source of a dangerous form of mercury contamination in the water supply, a small study suggests. In tests of wastewater from two dental practices, researchers at the University of Illinois found high levels of methylated mercury -- a chemically altered form of the metal that is toxic to the brain and nervous system. Mercury is part of the silver dental fillings that have long been used to treat cavities; in this form, mercury is believed to be safe.