About Heavy Metals
Mercury is one of the most poisonous elements known to man, and
we are exposed to it in small quantities on a daily basis. Mercury
is a waste product from the burning of coal to make electricity
and is emitted into the atmosphere by the ton every day. Rain
brings it back to earth where it contaminates our water,
agriculture, and fish. Individuals eating fish more than once or
twice a week are at significant risk of accumulating toxic levels
of mercury. Because of its potent anti-microbial effects, mercury
has been used in pesticides, as well as medications. Read our
articles on mercury toxicity for additional information.
Fortunately, the medical community realizes that mercury is a
poison and has discontinued using mercury-containing medications
in medical practice. However, the dental community has remained
slow to catch up in accepting the obvious. Mercury continues to be
placed in the mouths of thousands of unsuspecting patients every
day by dentists who, innocently enough, are following the
recommendations of their professional organizations and current
FDA policy.
Common amalgam dental fillings contain over 50% mercury, as well
as silver and tin (also toxic in high amounts), and it is the
mercury vapor emitted from chewing that is absorbed by the body
and quickly binds to many tissues. Several European countries
(Germany, Sweden, and Denmark) have recognized this public health
hazard and have banned mercury amalgam fillings from use.
Unfortunately for the United States, until costly and focused
research have been extensively performed to prove that many people
have already been harmed, the mainstream will continue to cling to
the old ways.
Chronic mercury exposure from occupational, environmental, dental
amalgam, and contaminated food exposure is a significant threat to
public health. It is the goal of the NCIMS to educate the public
as to the dangers of mercury and its affects on our health, and to
call for legislative action for the medical profession to greatly
reduce or eliminate the amount of mercury given to patients. It is
also our objective to educate the medical community, the news
media, and the public about the health conditions that can be
signs of mercury toxicity and the treatments that are available to
those suffering from this disease.
