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There have been studies, but none that are definitive on PD and amalgam. There is basically no evidence that links the two. The CDC's Toxicological Profile for Mercury does not even contain any reference to PD. See http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp46.html Here are two abstracts of review articles on health effects of amalgam: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2006 Jul;209(4):309-16. Epub 2006 Jan 30. Mercury amalgam dental fillings: an epidemiologic assessment. Bates MN. Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, 140 Warren Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA. [log in to unmask] Dental amalgam fillings containing approximately 50% mercury have been used for almost 200 years and have been controversial for almost the same time. Allegations of effects caused by amalgams have involved many diseases. Recent evidence that small amounts of mercury are continuously released from amalgam fillings has fuelled the controversy. This is a comprehensive review of the epidemiologic evidence for the safety of dental amalgam fillings, with an emphasis on methodological issues and identifying gaps in the literature. Studies show little evidence of effects on general chronic disease incidence or mortality. Limited evidence exists for an association with multiple sclerosis, but few studies on either Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. The preponderance of evidence suggests no renal effects and that ill-defined symptom complexes, including chronic fatigue syndrome, are not caused by amalgams. There is little direct evidence that can be used to assess reproductive hazards. Overall, few relevant epidemiologic studies are available. Most prior assessments of possible amalgam health effects have been based on comparisons of dental mercury exposures with occupational exposures causing harm. However, the amalgam- exposed population contains a broader, possibly more susceptible, spectrum of people. Common limitations of population-based studies of dental amalgam effects include inadequate longitudinal exposure assessment and negative confounding by better access to dental care in higher socioeconomic groups. Better designed studies are needed, particularly for investigation of neurodegenerative diseases and effects on infants and children. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Int Dent J. 2003 Dec;53(6):464-8. Dental amalgam and human health. Yip HK, Li DK, Yau DC. Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, SAR, PR China. The use of dental amalgam as a restorative material has long been a contentious issue because of its elemental mercury component. While microleakage of mercury from amalgam has been conclusively confirmed over the past 30 years intensive research has failed to identify deleterious health outcomes. Mercury, as with other metals entering the body tissues, appears to be tolerated at low levels. Nevertheless, a contrary opinion is held by some professional and lay groups who advocate a zero tolerance for inhaled or ingested elemental mercury. They identify dental amalgam as an aetiological factor for neurological conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease resulting from chronic mercury poisoning. Epidemiological and clinical evidence of widespread chronic mercury toxicity associated with a body burden of amalgam has consistently failed to be established even in populations with a high prevalence of dental amalgam restorations. On current evidence, international consensus heavily supports the statement that amalgam does not constitute a health risk to patients. However, exposure to volatile free mercury in dental clinics should be controlled to eliminate occupational risk. This paper provides a general review of the current situation and issues. It offers a consensus viewpoint for practitioners and lay people in reaching an informed decision on dental amalgam restorations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan McRight" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2008 11:04 AM Subject: Amalgam fillings > Does anyone know whether there have been any studies of amalgam fillings > and > PD? > > Dan McRight > [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn