The dangers of chronic exposure to mercury are well
documented [81]. On the contrary, it is now recognized that
the health hazards of amalgam restorations is negligible with
the exception of rare allergic reactions. The greatest exposure
to mercury from dentists comes from handling amalgam
and amalgam capsules for restorations and storage and disposal
of amalgam also represent important sources of exposure
[82]. New filling materials have been developed to help
reduce the dependence on mercury based substances, such as
composite resins, although these may be less durable and
clinically effective than mercury amalgam.
Chemicals used in radiology can also lead to occasional