June 3/00

To the American Dental Association:

I have suffered dysfunction and later very ill health most of my life (now 47)  symptoms beginning from around age 11, not long after my first amalgams were placed. Tests have shown high Hg levels, and I had many of the classical CNS and other symptoms of chronic exposure. I am now 80% improved following amalgam removal and partial Hg detoxification. The following is an outline of a letter which was sent to Australian health authorities (who have now recommended no amalgam be placed in children, pregnant women or people with kidney disorders).

SUBMISSION TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH & MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL  Health Advisory Committee: DENTAL AMALGAM WORKING PARTY

4 may 1998

Anna Priest

PO Box 448 Grafton, NSW, 2460. Professor Stephen Leeder National Health & Medical Research Council GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT, 2601.

Dear Professor Leeder,

I write on behalf of numerous Australian citizens whose health has apparently been adversely affected by chronic exposure to dental amalgam mercury. I believe that my health has been adversely affected by mercury from dental amalgam fillings, from childhood, shortly after the age of ten or eleven when they were first placed. The following thirty years were characterised by a gradual deterioration in my physical and mental health to the point where I spent the major part of the day from age 38 to 42 bedridden and unable to function normally (physically, mentally or emotionally). Four years ago at the age of 41 my ten amalgam fillings were removed and replaced with composite resin restorations. The following year, although experiencing some improvement in a few symptoms, was largely spent trying to recover from the (inadequate) removal procedure and to lower my body burden of mercury. The next few years up until the present time has seen a gradual improvement in my health as the level of mercury (and lead) has slowly been reduced. However, in hindsight I now realise that had I been provided with adequate protection against mercury exposure during the removal procedure - as well as appropriate informed medical advice - my recovery would have been far more rapid and complete than it has been. I have come to realise that due to the lack of diagnosis and the many years it took to find out about chronic mercury toxicity, that a great deal of damage has occurred, perhaps some of it irreversible. I also believe that if access to dental and medical practitioners with expertise in diagnosis and treatment of amalgam mercury toxicity had been available, my health would be in a far better state than it is today. I have had virtually no support (or even belief) from the many doctors I consulted since becoming aware of the issue. Neither have any shown the slightest interest in learning about it. Fortunately, a new GP has moved to Grafton who practices complementary medicine, and who has experience in successfully treating CFS and similar conditions. She is also familiar with the amalgam issue, having had her own amalgams removed. Unfortunately, physicians with post graduate training in any form of complementary medicine are extremely rare, especially away from large city centres. However, their interest is greatly appreciated by their patients, many of whom travel great distances to attend practitioners who have experience diagnosing and treating heavy metal toxicity. The major difficulty for those affected by amalgam mercury is obtaining a diagnosis. Over the worst five year period I visited more than 15 different doctors and specialists in an attempt to get some answers, or at least some relief. I travelled far and wide, and consulted many GP as well as physicians with an interest in holistic medicine and women's health, a consultant physician, an endocrinologist, a rheumatologist, a psychiatrist, an immunologist, and a well known naturopath. Each diagnosed a part of the overall picture, according to their own area of interest, but none were enlightened to the fact that chronic heavy metal poisoning was behind my bizzare collection of symptoms. Prescriptions for painkillers, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, anti-depressants, steroid and other hormones including oestrogen and progesterone, sedatives and sleeping pills were offered - but no answers and little hope. I think the major characteristic which saved me from suicide was that I'm an irrepressible optimist and creative thinker, and always tried hard to focus on a light at the end of the tunnel. If the light faded, I imagined it. I believe that the hidden personal, financial, social - and especially the medical - costs of amalgam-related illness is enormous, and the ramifications vast. Although I may be amongst a small percentage of people with an enhanced sensitivity to heavy metals, my case is far from unique. There are many others in the community who are in a similar position (many of whom I have been in contact with over the past 3+ years). I have spent a small fortune over the past twenty years on attempts to diagnose and treat the growing list of symptoms. In addition, because of the worsening state of my health, which was eventually diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome (but was far more than that), I was unable to contribute to the work force for over ten years. The mental and emotional pain resulting from my deteriorating condition was exacerbated by the social isolation I was forced to endure. For many years I was considered a neurotic freak by my husband, friends, family, and the medical profession. As a result of continual hormonal disorders I was infertile and unable to have children, eventually undergoing a hysterectomy at 42. After my marriage broke up three years ago, due to the stresses and strains of our situation, I've had to survive on a disability pension. I would like to emphasise that my situation is not uncommon amongst those who have suffered years of undiagnosed mercury toxicity. Many spend their days in various states of distress and disability, drugged by medications to 'manage' the symptoms and unable to afford the proper care they need. At age forty one, just prior to having ten amalgams  removed and replaced with composite resin, the following symptoms were present (partly taken from a list compiled for a doctor when I was unable to explain my predicament with any clarity). To some readers unfamiliar with environmental illness or chronic low level mercury poisoning, some of the following may seem implausible or overstated. Nevertheless, practically all these symptoms have been listed in medical reference books as possible signs and symptoms of mercury exposure. Headaches: (27 years) mild to severe, to throbbing migraines. Often a continual nagging background headache for days or weeks at a time. Fatigue: (nine+ years) mild to total collapse, often a feeling of continual lethargy, drowsiness (even on awakening after a full night's sleep). Sometimes felt complete absence of strength in body. Dizziness: (four+ years) often felt light-headed and unsteady. Insomnia: (27 years) Difficulty falling asleep. Sometimes awake until 5 am, or wake in the early hours and be unable to get back to sleep. Some nights no sleep at all. Depression: (27 years) for days or weeks at a time, sometimes constant. Mild background depression to severe, suicidal at times. Concentration: (8-10+ years) very poor, often felt disorientated, brain 'fog'. Memory: (six+ years) short term memory very poor, often forgetful and had to live by lists. Muscle aches and weakness: (six + years) muscles felt weak, tired and ached, sometimes all over, not from use or exertion. Difficult to do repetitive tasks, however small. Stiff, sore muscles and joints after sitting more than 1/2 an hour. Aching legs and feet:  (6+ years) generalised pain over whole legs, often continuous, even after rest. Often  ached badly for no apparent reason, even after lying down all night. Arthritic pain:  (25 years) in hips, knees and later ankles, worse in cold weather and at night. Often lost sleep because of pain. Weight gain: (8 years) from 8 stone to over 14 stone at one stage. Possibly thyroid related. Fluid Retention: (eight+ years) worse in heat and with PMS. Worst affected were legs with swollen, puffy ankles and knees. Food cravings: (eight+ years) for yeast and sugar (cheese, bread, biscuits, sweets, chocolate). Worse with PMS (now know to be associated with candidiasis and food allergy/sensitivity). Candidiasis: (chronic intestinal and systemic - probably 20+ years) yeast overgrowth in gut, thrush only occasionally, much worse after antibiotics. Nausea: (6 years) worse each morning, tender stomach (result of candida?), often indigestion. Spleen/pancreas? and liver/gall bladder pain: (three to four years). Allergy/sensitivity: (? years) tested positive for twelve, worst were dairy products, wheat, soy, alcohol, coffee and chocolate; much improved with dietary control. No reactions at all now. Hypoglycaemia: (8? years) often feeling weak, shaky and dizzy. Some improvement with dietary treatment and supplemental chromium. Tachycardia: (three+ years) heart raced, then did flip flops. Was told I had a heart murmur. Agraphobia and panic attacks: (for a few years in my mid twenties). Circulation: (27+ years) very poor, constantly cold hands and feet, and cramps in feet, regardless of warm weather or movement. Pre-menstrual syndrome: (12+ years) persisted for up to 12 days prior to menses, symptoms worsened as I got older, often immobilising and difficult to bear. Became very accident prone. Fibrocystic breast lumps: (10+ years) some pain at times, lumps still present. Low libido: (12 years) or non existent. Infertility: (three plus years) tried unsuccessfully for pregnancy. Tried microsurgery. Pelvic inflammatory disease: (three+ years) commenced two days after exploratory medical procedure for infertility led to acute salpingitis (bacterial infection of fallopian tubes). Treatment by IV and oral antibiotics. Further chronic condition resulted in removal of tubes, and later total hysterectomy. Frequency of urination: (childhood on) sometimes every 1/2 hour during the day, often 3-4 times each night, regardless of liquids taken. Constipation and Diarrhoea: (ten years) alternating between the two. Several bouts of irritable bowel syndrome. Eyes: (12 years) sore, irritated and dry, often mucus;  diagnosed chronic allergic conjunctivitis but no reason, also cysts inside lower eyelids. Muscle twitching from age 12. Sinus: (four+ years) continually blocked and stuffy, could rarely breath clearly through nose, much sneezing and mucous. Ears: (twenty years) consistently itchy, several infections, seemed some loss of hearing but tested normal. Frequent buzzing sound and some ringing. Often blocked with wax. Skin: Rash for 3+ years under arms and groin, sometimes hot and stinging, worse in heat. Eventually lost skin from underarms, (tried every treatment available, finally eased after two acupuncture treatments, though later returned). Also tiny cysts on upper arms and thighs. Always bruise very easily. Flushing on upper chest and face. Skin on palms peeled off in patches. Jaw: (4 years) slight stiffness and sometimes ached. Mouth: (4+ years) unpleasant sour taste in mouth, later strong metallic taste. Regular mouth ulcers from childhood. Sometimes bleeding gums. 'Sensitive' teeth. Four abscessed teeth (all despite normal oral hygiene). Overproduction of saliva, dribbling at night and waking with a wet pillow. Although now virtually free of mercury and lead (through various methods of chelation), I still suffer some degree of chronic fatigue syndrome, although far from the disabling state prior to amalgam removal and detoxification. The permanent almost-Alzheimer's-like condition has disappeared, but I believe I've been left with some brain damage and at times still have considerable problems with memory, mood and concentration. Low physical energy levels remain a feature of my life, as are chemical sensitivities and sleeping difficulties. Despite these difficulties I now enjoy a reasonable quality of life compared to the years when I was affected by amalgam, and feel that I can be more useful and productive than any time during the previous decade. In fact there are times now (although short lived and rare) when I feel better physically and mentally than I can ever remember at any time. This is in stark contrast to the 6 to 8 years prior to amalgam removal when at worst I was a physical and mental wreck, and at best merely existing.   After a year following the amalgam removal, and an extremely difficult time detoxifying, as a result of gaining some degree of function back and wishing for more improvement, I embarked on a mission to learn more about heavy metal toxicity. The more I learnt about amalgam mercury-related damage, the more horrified and angry I became and the more determined I was to regain my function so I could assist others who were also affected. It was two years after amalgam removal that I learnt of the existence of ASOMAT, and another year before I had a DMPS (heavy metal challenge) test and underwent a series of chelation by various methods. I also discovered that my recovery had been hindered by inadequate treatment prior to, during and following the removal procedure - and especially by insufficient mercury protective measures during the removal process. Furthermore, two pieces of amalgam had been carelessly left under the replacement composite fillings, and a metal pin also remained. After these were carefully removed by an ASOMAT dentist my recovery took another leap forward.  As a result of gaining some degree of function back after the initial difficult time of detoxification, some of my friends and family have noticed the difference, and several have taken note of the risks to their own health and undergone amalgam removal, including my ex husband who is now very supportive. They have all experienced varying degrees of success, depending on whether they took my advice and consulted an experienced ASOMAT dentist, if they received adequate protective measures during the removal, and also whether they followed up on detoxification methods. *** Since beginning to study the amalgam issue in detail over the past three years, I have spoken to hundreds of people who have contacted me by phone, letter, or email, each one affected in their own way by exposure to amalgam mercury. In addition, I have read scores of case studies from people (including those from the US support group newsletter and DAMS book) outlining their own experiences with chronic mercury toxicity from dental amalgams. Over fifty have sent me their own story relating their health decline, their search for help, and eventually their full or partial recovery. The great majority of these accounts have several themes in common: 1. A lack of belief in the severity and range of their symptoms by the medical profession, generally because their symptomatology failed to fit any specific medical diagnosis. Also because most, if not all, standard diagnostic pathology and other exploratory tests were mostly within "normal" ranges. Most were repeatedly assured there was nothing wrong with them. Many were considered neurotic, hypochondriac, delusional, depressed, "hormonal", lazy, over-stressed, or to be exaggerating - by their doctors, as well as others. (However, application of the DMPS urine heavy metal challenge/provocation test (1) may have revealed a different picture). There must be many patients who have been labelled as such, or "resistant to therapy," who would in fact be suffering some degree of mercury poisoning from these permanent implants of mercury in their mouths. 2. A great deal of time, money and energy wasted "doctor shopping," some having spent many years going from doctors to various specialists and then to natural therapists in an attempt to find the source of their worsening health, or at least some relief. Many have found support and assistance within the alternative health professions, others with the few very rare doctors trained in various forms of holistic or complementary medicine. 3. The most common symptoms which almost all these people had were depression, varying levels of fatigue and/or muscle weakness, poor short term memory, lack of concentration, and a state of "brain fog". Sleeping disorders are also common. These were underlying themes in almost every case, no matter what the range and severity of other symptoms. In some cases they were almost the only symptoms, although many people had a great deal more. 4. Whether they gained any improvement in health was to a great degree determined by which dental and medical practitioners they consulted, and also by their own commitment to becoming well. I have found recovery from chronic mercury toxicity depends a great deal on what level of dental and medical care the person receives. Some, including myself, have been made initially much worse by inappropriate and inadequate protection from mercury during the amalgam removal and the detoxification process. If this critical protection is not afforded to patients, particularly the more sensitive and immune-compromised, their health can suffer for some time afterwards, perhaps indefinitely. Many of those affected by amalgam mercury feel like outcasts from society, ignored because we do not fit a specific medical pigeonhole. Because of our (generally unseen) mercury-induced disabilities, we experience a vastly reduced quality of life. We cannot make meaningful contributions to society, and many are dependent upon government support to survive. I have spoken to some people who have been on the verge of suicide because of too many years suffering a physically and emotionally painful existence - with no belief, no help - and very little hope for a better future. Suicide is also a very real risk to those who have undergone amalgam removal and/or detoxification without the necessary protective measures (particularly those with enhanced sensitivities to metals). It seems that how much an individual is affected by amalgam mercury depends upon various factors. The most relevant seem to be: genetic inheritance, the ability of the liver, kidneys and GIT to deal with toxins, diet (including the presence or absence of protective antioxidants), physical and emotional stresses, and of course, the integrity of the immune system, which is affected by all the previous factors. In some cases exposure to other toxins such as synthetic chemicals which may compromise immune or CNS function - particularly lead - play a synergistic role. I have found that many individuals who have had past contact with lead seem to be amongst the worst affected, especially the central nervous system. As a child I would help my father melt down lead blocks to make deep sea fishing sinkers. (He died at 52 of a heart attack and with an undiagnosed Parkinson's-like syndrome. In hindsight, his symptoms were typical of lead poisoning - and he also had amalgams early in life). Some people I have spoken to, who have a collection of the more severe amalgam-related symptoms and disorders, have also been exposed to lead through house painting and renovation, leadlighting, lead glazes in potting, inner city living, or occupational exposure such as plumbing and so on. As you would know, lead and mercury act in synergy to potentiate the toxicity of each other. In conclusion, I feel that the most important aspect from a patient's point of view is that steps need to be undertaken to educate health professionals to recognise the signs and symptoms of amalgam induced pathology. In particular, dentists need to be adequately trained in IAOMT (ASOMAT) recommended amalgam removal protocols. Ideally, dentists and doctors need the educational tools to work as an interdisciplinary team to optimise the patient's recovery from the effects of heavy metal poisoning. This issue has already begun to be addressed by ASOMAT, in conjunction with Dr Ian Brighthope, President of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM). This action is an innovative step forward for health care in Australia. I urge you to consult with ASOMAT and ACNEM for scientific references on this matter in order for you to make a fully informed policy. Thank you for considering my submission. Yours faithfully, Anna  Priest. (1) Godfrey M. Campbell N. "Confirmation of Mercury Retention and Toxicity Using 2,3- Dimercapto-1-Propane-Sulphonic Acid Sodium Salt (DMPS)." Journal of Advancement in Medicine. Vol. 7. Spring 1994. *** Anna Priest DAMS Australia (Dental Amalgam Mercury Syndrome) PO Box 448, Grafton, Australia, 2460. Ph and fax: +61 (2) 6643 3924 Email: priest@hotkey.net.au

Dear Sir,   Amongst the many patients I have treated over a career as a dentist spanning almost thirty years, I have treated nine patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the last six years. I have prepared them nutritionally and removed their amalgam fillings and all other metal from their mouths using the recommended protection protocols, plus an intra-venous administration of ascorbate. Two of these patients lost their symptoms completely within a few days of treatment and have remained symptom free for over four years. Five have experienced a profound reduction in symptoms, allowing a normal life style once again with no further deterioration and two have a general improvement in condition though less profound, increased energy and slowing of disease progress.   Stool tests before and after treatment show 2-300ugm.mercury/l stool pre-treatment to as much as 1-11/2 million ugm./l three days post treatment, falling to low or no level in two months.   It would seem to me that this would qualify as a mercury/amalgam related condition. Yours faithfully, Vincent Maiolini  BDS.  

  From: Mike Godfrey

To: publicinfo@ADA.org

Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2000 10:05

Subject: Dental amalgam

The ADA Board of Directors

I am an MD with 37 years of clinical experience, the last 15 of which have been devoted to environmental toxicology. I have had 5 clinical papers published in peer-reviewed biomedical or scientific journals over the last 7 years on the toxic effects of mercury from amalgam. Two of my papers have been published in the New Zealand Science Review, this country's premier scientific journal. I have also delivered papers on the adverse effects of mercury at CME approved medical conferences in the USA. I have examined over 600 patients over the past 15 years and correctly diagnosed adverse health effects from prolonged exposure to amalgam. Most of these predominently middle-aged patients had been chronically ill for many years and had been going from doctor to doctor in a futile search for the real underlying cause of their protracted ill-health. Many had spent very large amounts of money in inappropriate tests and many had had to cease gainful employment due to their ill-health. The reason why I can state that I have correctly diagnosed these patients' problems is that an independent randomised retrospective investigation was carried out on several hundred of these patients and subsequently published (Jones L. NZ Psych J.Dec 1999). This is the scientific method whereby primary research evidence is verified instead of relying on unsupported opinions. Over 95% of the patients that I had seen and who had completed both protected amalgam removal and medical detoxification had achieved long-lasting major health benefits. They were for the most part justifiably delighted with the results, as well as being angry with the dental profession for causing their ill-health and the medical profession for their lack of awareness. The latter included professors who ought to have been more knowledgeable. Middle-aged NZers have an average of 14 or more amalgam fillings frequently involving 30 or more surfaces. This is mainly due to the previous practice of "prophylactic odontotomies" where the school dental nurses and dentists drilled and filled children's perfectly healthy teeth in anticipation of inevitable future decay. Notably, there was a 64% nationwide decrease in the number of fillings within 5 years of the Health Dept. 1976 memo instructing them to only drill into teeth showing decay (De Liefde B. NZ Dent.J. 1998). This sudden apparent lack of decay obviously had nothing to do with fluoridation of the water supply, another of your unscientific promotions. Sadly, it appears that the dental profession has become a profession of skilled artisans or "molar mechanics" with little if any, training in toxicology and indeed, medical matters affecting the rest of the body. However, what is done to the mouth can affect the rest of the body. The two cannot be separated and even your own literature has extensive reference to this e.g. the 1996 Periodontology review series. My profession has been equally lacking in its failure to consider these mercury-leaking implants as a source of ill-health. In 1991, the W.H.O. classified dental amalgam as the greatest source of mercury vapor for the non-industrially exposed population. This fact must be well-known to you. The potential for chronic exposure to small amounts of mercury to cause systemic damage is also well documented, even in your own literature. Your own journal has stated that a dentists' own amalgam status was equally highly statistically rated as a health hazard as spilling mercury in the office (Martin, Naleway et al. JADA 1995). Even small spills of mercury are therefore viewed as a matter of significant hazard to the public. Could you therefore please address the following conundrums? 1.Dental amalgam may not be handled by dental personnel. Scrap amalgam may not be left lying around in your dental office having to be stored in sealed containers under a fixative solution, and is prohibited from being buried in municipal tips as it would contaminate the ground. By what alchemy does it become an inert alloy when placed in people's mouths and bathed in hot acidic salty saliva that guarantees corrosion? Is the mouth the only safe place to store amalgam? 2. Noone would agree that you could eat a little arsenic every day and be unaffected unless proven to be allergic to arsenic. It is an accumulative neurotoxic metal that eventually would make that person ill. Mercury is equally accumulative and an even more neurotoxic element with brain mercury levels corresponding to the number of fillings. How can you therefore maintain that a person has to be proven allergic to a toxic poisonous metal before adverse effects are recognised? You are being illogical, unscientific and unprofessional.  Dental amalgam has numerous apparent benefits as a restorative material. It is cheap, durable and as easy to use as window putty.  A dentist can thereby get away with sloppy dentistry that would not be permitted for the more technically demanding but equally durable and much more biocompatible modern resin restorations. Unfortunately, it is a pity that it poisons people. I well remember a senior dental researcher delivering a paper at a medical conference in the USA some years ago. He walked to the front of the podium, looked out over the audience of several hundred MDs, and said, " You can thank dentistry for 80% of your business, gentlemen." With my present knowledge and experience, I would not question that statement and for that, "Medi-business" and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association may thank you. I and my more aware colleagues, do not. Neither do the many thousands of chronically mercury poisoned individuals. Remember that it has been proven that over 70% of rats, exposed to mercury vapor for just 14 days at 4 hours a day, at mercury levels found in people's mouths, developed brain damage identical to the unique Alzheimer's lesions (Pendergrass et al. Neurotoxicol 1997). Remember that, when one or more of your own relatives become senile whilst keeping your safe mouthful of amalgam. Remember that, when one of your children becomes strangely unable to cope with schoolwork after "coincidentally" having some amalgam fillings placed and starts to get one virus after another.   Of course, there's no proof, just as there's equally no proof that smoking cigarettes causes any harm. Your well-paid "spin doctors" can distort the obvious truth knowing full well that it is almost impossible to prove that a given toxin causes a given illness, but you have to look in the mirror every morning. You well know what you have been doing to the unsuspecting and trusting public.   M.E.Godfrey MD.

Hello-  I wish to report adverse reactions to mercury amalgams.  I am aware of a recent ADA report which indicates that adverse reactions to mercury amalgams are rare, and I believe there are loads of people out there who have had problems with mercury amalgams which maybe never get reported.    So, I would like for you to know that  I am a recovering mercury patient, having been diagnosed with  "toxic effects of mercury",  in Fall of 1998 after consulting with and being tested by multiple health care people.  At the time, I had multiple health problems including chronic pain, neurological, immunological , gastrointestinal, hormonal and other difficulties, all of which had been developing over a period of years.  I had no significant source of mercury other than many many mercury amalgams, acquired over a lifetime.   After extensive treatments to remove the amalgams, detox the body and such-  the road to healing from mercury is long and arduous-  I am doing quite splendidly now, moving along nicely on the path to robust good health.  i just celebrated one year of being amalgam-free.     Thanks for listening.     

Please let me know if you need more information.   

Mary Veit

June 2/00I

Dear sirs,

Through my international contacts I heard that the official ADA opinion on amalgam fillings remains unchanged.
For your information and the benefit of the American public and that of the rest of the western world who take notice of your statements, I can tell you that there are far more medical complications related to amalgam fillings than you state.

The problem with the amalgam and more specifically with the mercury which it contains, is not of allergic nature. To my opinion it is the most wide-spread misunderstanding about the mercury in the human body. It is a heavy metal toxification.
My own dentist, who has filled most of my mouth with the substance even when I asked him to use white fillings, thinks the problem is an allergy to amalgam, even after I explained him that is not the case. And you are to blame for it, through the Dutch Dental Association, who follows your statements.

I have had amalgam fillings - 17 in total - for thirthy years now. Both my children are very allergic to a lot of different foodtypes. No one in both the families has ever had foodallergy.
I have found out that my own medical problems come from a mercury and lead intoxication, after a clever therapist took a urin-sample and tested it for heavy metals.
My complaints: a heavy tremor, loss of concentration, headaches, lessened eye-sight, tachycardia (about 20 bpm increase in rest) and depression.
I now wear glasses, and I have started a detoxification program. It immediately improved my concentration and I was less depressed, and was able to work a bit better than I had done before. I am on sick leave for 20 months now, and have resumed work part-time after five months of complete sick leave because of my "unexplained" medical condition.

I still have to have my fillings removed. It is hard to find good help with it, since most dentists and especially the ones with experience in this field have a patient-stop in their practice.

I have given you a resumé of my illness and problems, and I sincerely hope that you will take this circumstantial evidence, as you wil probably call it, in consideration whenever your organisation states an opinion on amalgam.

Amalgam is a very dangerous substance, mainly because it contains mercury. The use of mercury is prohibited in most cases in Holland, and punished by law. Thermometers containing mercury, for instance, cannot be sold after January 1, 2000.
It can still be used to be put in our bodies. I think it is a criminal act to do so, as a few European countries have already entered in their lawsystems.
In Sweden the possession of amalgam is very severely punished by law.
To Swedish law the dentist I have trusted with my health deserves the highest punishment.

Only after  organisations like yours stop defending the use of mercury in our dental fillings medical doctors and dentists can make a start to even try to cure innumerous patients throughout the modern world.
It will certainly help to improve my health, and I strongly believe it will make my life a whole lot better again.

The use of amalgam is not safe and has never been safe for the last hundred and fifty years. Physicians have warned dentists even in the early nineteenth century.

Please do not continue to defend amalgam.

Thank you very much for reading my letter to you.

With regards,

Martina van Campen, Master in Litterature
Zaandam, The Netherlands

     I would like to state for the record that I am one of the increasing number of people who are becoming aware that their illnesses are directly attributable to mercury poisoning from dental amalgam. After many years of increasing symptoms and finally reaching a point of debilitation, it took several years before I was finally diagnosed with severe mercury toxicity.  I am now in the process of having all amalgams removed and replaced.  The symptoms I have suffered as a result of mercury toxicity are severe fatigue, immune suppression, severe multiple type allergies, severe dermatitis, hormonal disruption, breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal problems including ulcers and disbiosis, low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, severe hypoglycemia, low thyroid, anemia, anxiety and depression. I am now 53 years old.  I see in my children now symptoms of mercury toxicity--due I believe to mercury toxicity which I would have passed to them in utero and also through breast feeding as well as due to that mercury they received from vaccines and, of course, their own amalgam fillings.  I am seeing in my siblings symptoms as well.  The critical point is that the amount and severity of the symptoms coincides with the amount of amalgam fillings they have.                                     Sincerely, Mary Robinson   Salem, OR  

How extraordinary that the ADA should think that only 100 people have been affected by mercury amalgams. Mkae me the 101st, please.  And what about the 1000 peopel who belong to my organisation here in UK with heavy mercury burdens showing in faeces, and blood metal antibodies plus much more. How about my son and daughter?? Make them 102nd and 103rd will you, whilst you are about it.  Oh, and then there's the woman in Scotland aged 38 dying from mobilised mercury after her teeth were RE-FILLED with mercury after amalgam removal.  She must be 104th!!! What a lying bunch of criminals you all are!! mercury IS IS IS a poison. If its not now allowed in thermometers and other medical equipment or on aeroplanes or in childrens medications or in VD medications, what the devil is it doing in dental preparations?  There are  over 13000 anti-mercury Papers plus whats in the toxicology textbooks all showing solid science work that mercury leaks into the body.  Once there it lodges in every cell causing destruction. You are giving false information and as such I hope workers like myself in Americas will go and talk to lawyers. Angela Kilmartin Founder/Editor: Patients Against Mercury Amalgams UK

    American Dental Association

    Dear Sir or Madam:

       It has come to my attention recently that the American Dental
    Association has stated that fewer than 100 Adverse Reaction Reports
    concerning amalgam fillings have been placed in the files of the
    FDA. This is not true. The book published by DAMS in 1993 entitled
    "Defense Against Mystery Syndromes" has a section in which quotes
    are made from some 762 Adverse Reaction Reports in the FDA files.
    
      My report is one of those. It was filed in the late 1980's.
    In 1985 I became life-threateningly ill with no medical reason
    that any doctor could identify. I had equilibrium problems, visual
    problems, weakness, memory loss, concentration loss, stomach
    motility, dizziness, kidney pain, urinary problems,systemic yeast,
    breathing problems. I had to quit working. I could not manage
    to cross a street, finally could not go up stairs in my own home.
    At the age of 45 I was an invalid.. I made a will.
      A friend referred me to a nutritionist/biochemist. It was
    determined that my 16 amalgam fillings, 2 of which had been
    placed recently, were responsible. I had these fillings replaced
    by Herculite composites.
      By the 3rd set of removals, my eyes were no longer crossed for
    first half hour of each day. By the 4th removals, my visual field
    problems disappeared. ONE HOUR AFTER THE REMOVALS.
      I went back to work. After months of detox, I regained much of
    my strength. My memory loss was reversed.
      I joined DAMS as a coordinator.  Having had my life returned to
    me, I wanted to reach out to others.

      When you make statements about FDA Reaction Reports, please
    check first with them to avoid making errors. In reading through
    them, I am sure you will find that an enormous number of symptoms
    were improved by removal of mercury amalgam fillings.

                                          Sincerely yours,

                                          Carol J. Ward
                                          Vice President-DAMS,Inc.

To Whom It May Concern:
Your website mentions that fewer than 100 reported case of adverse
reactions to dental mercury amalgams have been reported.  I would like to
add two more cases to your statistics.

I myself have developed leukoplakia in my mouth and Mee's lines on my
finger nails.  Research of neurological medical textbooks have indicated
that mercury can cause hyperkeretosis.  Hyperkeretosis can then lead to
leukoplakia which is a pre-cancerous condition.

The second case is my son.  He developed psoriasis a few years ago.  When
questioned as to when the psoriasis outbreak occurred in relation to any
major dental work, he replied he had a root canal done and the psoriasis
broke out within a week or two after.  He confirmed with his DDS that an
amalgam was installed after the root canal.  Then, a gold crown was
installed on top of the amalgam.  When he had the root canal redone and
removed the rest of his amalgams followed by detox, his psoriasis went away.

I hope the above will help you in your assessment in future use of mercury
amalgams.  I understand that over 25 years ago, amalgams was the
state-of-the-art material and the only material satisfactory for use.
Times have changed and less toxic and better material are now available.
The ADA should can avoid any questions of liability by graciously state
that in view of the possible health issues from amalgams, recommend that it
be phased out.  This would give the DDSs a change to retrain to using newer
materials.  I know that DDSs are good people (my close friends are
dentists) and all I want to do is stop the use of a dangerous material
without any legal hassles.

Good Luck from Hawaii.
Adrian Chang

Surely, I must know at least 20 people alone who had adverse reactions and
had to have their fillings ALL removed, including their root canals. I was
one of these people. In 1994 I was diagnosed with heavy amonts of mercury
and yes, no doubt about it it was from the fillings. I had them ALL removed
including my root canal. Then I went through detox. It was a very difficult
time. But, I made it and all MS symptoms have left among the many other
symptoms that go along with this poison..

So, stop the lies or I for one will be one of those to see you in court for
making such statements to the public as the above.
Pamela Grant

To Whom it may concern,

I have been chronically ill for over 6 years with acute bouts of fatigue, skin rash, and aching muscles and joints.  My doctor diagnosed heavy metal poisoning and neuro-endocrine dysregulation.  I have three times the number of fillings considered safe (According to Dr. Foley at the Women's college Hosp. Environmental health clinic).

I cannot afford to have the mercury removed.

You will do mankind a service by not spreading lies about the overall safety of mercury amalgam fillings

David Rydygier
Toronto 

To whom it may concern:   I was diagnosed two years ago with mercury toxicity and have urine tests through Doctor's Data Laboratories ( a world leader in toxic and trace elements detection ) that continue to show high levels of mercury.  I have been getting chelation treatments since I was diagnosed, consisting of a shot of DMPS every month to rid my body of this extremely harmful substance.   These high levels of mercury could ONLY have come from the 18 amalgam restorations I had for so many years (since replaced, at a cost to me and my father of $4000)) because I have had no other significant exposure to Hg at any time in my life.   I don't like the fact that your organization is covering up this issue about mercury, but I understand.  I would probably do the same if I was in your shoes.  The implications of this are huge -- nothing short of a crime against humanity.   There is much more I could write but I am getting on with my life now after being sick for so many years and have better things to do today.   I am going to be part of the Class Action Law Suit here in Canada and look forward to watching the truth about this issue gradually unfold. It does take time . . . . . . .these things always do.   God Bless,   Lawrie Forbes, Victoria, B.C.

I have been poisoned by my amalgam fillings and have suffered for 30 years. You claim fewer than 100 cases have ever been reported, well here is one more. 

David Maines

I was one that was adversely affected by amalgams, having experienced a number
of mercury-affected symptons including finger tics, numbness, blurred vision,
dizziness, and multiple miscarriages.

I have now replaced them with the composite filling and, if I may add, a lot
healthier and happier.

Hazel O'Loughlin-Vidal
Admin. Asst., Publications
Computing Services
York University

Dear Sirs,

I read the ADA's statement concerning Amalgam where you actually say
that "amalgam is safe and studies have
failed to find any link between amalgam restorations and any medical
disorder". This is very incorrect. Several studies
have shown that amalgam can cause multiple symptoms and diseases.

First I would like to tell you my story:
Amalgam has made my life so terrible that I might as well have written a
thesis to get it all in here, but I'll make myself short. Since I
started getting amalgamfillings there's been dramatically changes in my
health. From being a happy, humorous little girl, to become a suicidal,
chronically sick person. I've been struggeling with psychic, as well as
physical problems several years. I did have to quit school, I lost my
interest in friends and hobbies, I got panic attacks and I was always
sick, my immunesystem just seemed to be gone. I went to several doctors
and they all diagnosed me for Streptococcus, bronchitis, several
infections, chronic constipation, allergies, etc. They treated the
symtoms but I always seemed to get sick very quick again. I've never
eaten a lot of fish (or other food known to contain Mercury) or have
never been exposed to Mercury in drinkingwater, air etc. I read about
the "Amalgam and Illness-connection" in "Forbundet Tenner og Helse" - a
Norwegian union agains Amalgam. I decided to get rid of my
Amalgam-fillings last August, because I knew that the fillings might be
the reason for my healthproblems. I got better (my head cleared up, my
lungs got a lot better) After a colon-therapy this winter there were set
free so much Mercury from my colon that I became very ill again. My
situation was rather diagnosed as a acute Mercury-poisoning (Almost
couldn't breathe, extreamly burning mouth, severve fatigue, head
"spinning" etc.. My urine-test in May (9 months after amalgamremoval!!!)
showed intensified amounts of Mercury in my urine. If I ever recover
from the situation I'm in now, I'll do everyting I can to warn people
agains this "toxic bomb" you still put in peoples teeth.

And now:

You should read these facts about Amalgam and Mercury (since you
obviously have missed a lot of important information):

* It's been proven in several studies that Mercury can leak out of
Amalgam-fillings and absorbe in mouth, lungs, mucos-membrane in the
nose,
intestinal canal, dental roots.  Mercury can be transported via blood to
nervecells in brain (Based on: *Nielsen Kudsk F. Absorption of mercury
vapour from the respiratory tract in man. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol 1965;
23: 250-62., *Hanson M, Pleva J. The dental amalgam issue - a review.
Experientia 1991; 47: 10-22., *Patterson JE, Weissberg BG, Dennison PJ.
Mercury in human breath from dental amalgams. Bull Environ Contam
Toxicol 1985; 34: 459-68., *Stutte H, Groth I. Zur Neuropathologie der
Quecksilbervergiftung im Kindesalter. Fortschr Neurol Psychiat 1961; 29:
464-74., *Arvidson B, Arvidsson J, Johansson K. Mercury deposits in
neurons of the trigeminal ganglia after insertion of dental amalgam in
rats. Biometals 1994; 7 (3): 261-3.)*18. Arvidson B, Arvidsson J,
Johansson K. Mercury deposits in neurons of the trigeminal ganglia after
insertion of dental amalgam in rats. Biometals 1994; 7 (3): 261-3.)

* A study by Drasch and collaborators (Drasch et al 1994) showed a
correlation between the mothers Amalgam-fillings and Mercury in their
infants tissues.(Based on: *Drasch G, Schupp I, Hofl H, Reinke R, Roider
G: Mercury burden of human fetal and infant tissues. European Journal of
Pediatrics 1994; 153 (8):607-10.,)

* A new Swedish study regarding breastmilk showed significant
correlation between the mothers Amalgam-fillings (but not in connection
to Mercury from food). The Swedish researchers estimated the childs
Mercuryintake and that corresponded half of WHO's Mercurylimit for
adults.(Based on: *Oskarsson A, Schultz A, Skerfving S, Hallen IP, Ohlin
B, Lagerkvist BJ: Total and inorganic mercury in breast milk in relation
to fish consumption and amalgam in lactating women. Arch Environ Health
1996; 51(3): 234-41).

* Several people with Multipple Sclerosis and Alzheimers tell how their
lifes have been dramatically changed to the better after
amalgam-removal.
(Based on living examples and litterature: Among others:
http://www.web-light.nl/AMALGAM/EN/RS/CASES/dvliet.html

* Studies have shown over 100 symptoms correlated to Mercury, where
amalgam-removal has made symptoms/diseases disappear. (Facts based on:
Berglund F. 150 Years of Dental Amalgam. Case reports spanning 150 years
on the adverse effects of dental amalgam. Relationship to poisoning by
elemental mercury. Orlando, FL: Bio-Probe Inc., 1995.)

* Research conducted as early as a decade ago reported that old fillings
viewed under an electron microscope showed holes where the mercury had
evaporated, releasing 40% of the mercury into the body over a ten year
period. The U.S. environmental protection safety limits for mercury
exposure are 10 micrograms per day, yet mercury released from fillings
can contribute up to three times this amount, just from the simple acts
of
chewing, brushing the teeth, or drinking hot liquids. Studies show that
the average person makes and swallows 1.5 liters of saliva a day. Yet,
if they
have as few as four amalgams present in their mouth, their saliva is so
high in mercury they cannot legally spit into the toilet in the USA. In
fact,
amalgam that has been drilled out of teeth must be collected by a
special toxic waste disposal company in three airtight metal containers
locked one
inside the other and labeled with a skull and crossbones. Yet this
material is considered safe when placed in our mouths?

* Multiple Sclerosis patients have been found to have eight times higher
levels of mercury in their cerebrospinal fluid compared to
neurologically
healthy individuals. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have now
concluded that mercury from amalgams is associated with Alzheimer's
Disease. They are also investigating the theory that Parkinson's Disease
and Lou Gehrig's Disease are related to heavy metal toxicity.

It's about time you stopped the lies - unless you really WANT the
citisens of your country to be chronically sick because of their
toothfillings. You KNOW that Mercury can leak out from amalgamfillings
and you KNOW that Mercury is known to be one of the worlds most toxic
heavy metals, so your statements surely doesn't make any sense. It's
about time you take your time to listen to the people and read their
stories.

By the way: Can you explain the "safe" use of amalgam considering
studies showing people recovery from Multipple Sclerosis and Alzheimers
after Amalgamremoval?


Regards,
Karine T. Knudsen, Norway.

In October 1998 I had a 4 surface mercury filling placed in one of my
upper left molars. Less than two weeks later I developed uveitis in my
right eye. Not putting two and two together, I began to search for the
cause of my recurrent uveitis (it reoccurred about 3 more times),
photophobia, onset of migraines, unexplained joint pains, numbness in
extremities, severe depression, mental confusion. Coincidentally, and
cluelessly, during the time my uveitis was recurrent, I revisited the
dentist about 3 more times for more mercury fillings to be placed.

About a year and a half later, and 13 doctors who could not diagnose
me with anything, I put two and two together and realized that the
only significant change in my life when I had my first attack of
uveitis was that I had had dental work. Thus began my research into so
called "silver fillings."  What I learned of course astounded me and I
immediately resolved to remove all of my silver fillings. THE BEST
DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. In case you missed it THE BEST DECISION I
HAVE EVER MADE. As of two days ago, I had the last of my mercury
fillings removed and I am optimistic about my recovery. I have felt
better than I have felt in the last 2 years and have probably
prolonged my life expectancy.

Whether or not I can "prove" mercury fillings are dangerous and caused
my mystery illness at this point in time is irrelevant because I am
healthy and that is all that matters. However, as an attorney and a
layperson, when it comes to medicine, I am actually flabbergasted that
more proof is needed. When I went to my primary care doctor and told
her my "theory" she said things like beware of charlatans and those
mercury free dentists have an economic incentive to remove the
fillings and replace them and she was worried about the removal
creating a placebo effect. Of course she completely ignored the fact
that we live in capitalist country where EVERYBODY, including herself,
the AMA, ADA and the pharmaceutical industry, has an economic
incentive. And I didn't care about a placebo effect because I now knew
that whatever I had, be it mercury poisoning or something else, the
mercury was not helping. Anyway, this was the same doctor who over a
year ago, although having no idea whatsoever what I was suffering
from, tried to put me on one a hard core drug - prednisone. So I told
her I needed a doctor who was willing to go outside of the box and
after I fired her, I took my health care into my own hands, and the
hands of my nutritionist, and since have felt extremely optimistic.

I thought about suing my dentist because I am a lawyer and I wondered
about the very first mercury filling I ever had placed when I was a
teenager and wonder about the lump I had in my breast when I was 17
and the two laparoscopic surgeries I had to undergo, one in my early
20's and one last year. I wondered if my immune system had been
operating at full throttle, would I have all these scars on my
stomach. My gynecologist says that there is no way that my eye
problems or mercury could have cause the problems I was experiencing
with my right ovary. But I question anyone who says, I have never seen
anything like this, but I definitely know it's not mercury.

This whole experience has left me completely distrustful of the
medical and dental community, not out of any animus I feel because I
had to go through all of this (I am actually glad now that it happened
because it raise my consiousness and if it hadn't I would still be
being poisoned), but because there is a collective effort going on to
deny that mercury is harmful to human beings. Doctors are concerned
with double-blinded studies, but they can't see the forest for the
trees. This known fact about mercury should be all the proof needed:
mercury is the most poisonous non radioactive substance known to man.
More poisonous than lead. Society gets all up in arms about lead
poisoning and paint chips around children but we think nothing about
anchoring a chunk of mercury containing metal into our kids mouths.
Because it is cheap.

My anger stems not from the fact that there is not a total ban on
mercury fillings (one can only hope at this point) but from the fact
that the ADA and the AMA have gone out of their way to deny precious
information to patients. Had I known in October 1998, what I now know
about mercury, there is no way that I would ever have had the fillings
placed. And I believe that I would not have gone through all that I
have gone through (being sick from some "mystery" illness, going on
disability for four months, feeling like I was going out of my mind).
But because that information was intentionally kept from me (I know
about the ADA's policy on mercury and what happens to dentists who
violate the policy) I am very angry.

I believe that EVERYBODY should 1) have their mercury fillings removed
and replaced with non metal substances and 2) never allow a dentist to
place any metal substance in their mouth whether it be for a filling,
root canal or a crown. I am not a doctor but I am convinced that
mercury is toxic at any level, suppressive to the immune system and
causes neurological disorders. My health is too important to me to
wait for proof and I do not need proof because I lived it.

At the very least a policy requiring dentists to inform their patients
that there is a question mark over the safety of mercury fillings is
long over due. Remember ethics in medicine. That's it. I'm done.
Wadeedah Sheeheed

6/2/00

Dear ADA Folks:

I had serious problems with dental mercury.

In two instances, within 2 days to a week after having a large
mercury-silver filling placed, I got electrical current-like feelings in my
hands and feet.  The second time, they didn't disappear.

So I had all my fillings removed, replaced with plastic fillings, and all
the current-like feelings disappeared over a period of time.

Also, I had a Hg urine test done through my environmental M.D., and was
toxic by 18 times the normal amount of Hg found in an adult of the U.S.
After a year of chelation, it's come way down.

Mercury poisoning from teeth fillings is real.

Bernice Parker

Bernice Parker
Technical Writer
Intel Network Systems

Copy of message sent to ADA today. -----Original Message-----
From: Kristina Rebelo Anderson <To: publicinfo@ADA.org <publicinfo@ADA.org>
Date: Friday, June 02, 2000 8:54 AM
Subject: Adverse Reactions to Amalgam

ADA: I had several adverse reactions to dental amalgam. The most recent was when I was fitted for a teeth whitener apparatus. I was not advised to NOT put the gel in the teeth that were filled with silver amalgam. I became very ill and did not learn the pathogenesis of the illness until I changed dentists and was informed by the new dentist that he always advises patients to NOT place the gel on teeth with amalgams. Apparently, the gel activated the mercury and I got a good dose. I had extreme muscle pain and a general malaise like a severe flu.   Sincerely, Hil Anderson Playa del Rey, Ca.

I would think this constitutes a perfect situation to show the limitations
of the ADA in such matters, and perhaps the basis for a law suit.  I cannot
add to the database, however, they are suggesting that amalgam is safe
unless you have an allergic reaction.  They define an allergic reaction to
Hg as one which produces skin symptoms.
 
1.  If that is as far as the ADA can see, then their view will of course be
limited.  For them to fail to suggest that amalgam is potentially capable of
causing the broad list of symptoms that are associated with Hg, is morose to
a fault.  For their presentation to lack associating the affects of high
electrical potential as disrupting neurologic function, or perhaps
contributing to bone loss and loss of teeth, for at least a few people, is
to show the limits of seeing only the Hg question.

2.  How many thousands of people report to the allergist and the
dermatologist, with skin reactions that are missed diagnoses?  Is not even
the potential of this understandable, and a matter that the ADA should be
serving warning to the medical profession.  Is there any evidence of the ADA
doing so?



However, such ammunition in battle could only make Napolean drool.
Certainly the ADA is familiar with experiments showing T cell suppression.
One can only assume that they either feel the masses are so blind that no
one will see that the emperor has no clothes, or, they have found a way, in
their view, to reasonably obscure or negate such experiments.  Either way,
their leadership in protecting the public welfare is hanging off a thin
ledge.

If you can collect a much larger database than 100, then that is evidence,
yes but still only the tip of an iceburg.  This failure is every bit as big
as the American Cancers Associations (ACA) failure to make a large statement
about the major etiological association of environment and ecological stress
factors (technologically produced toxins) to cancer.  The evidence clearly
makes the ACA to be not much more than a PR department for big business.  In
so miss directing the public, people lay down, take it, and never question
the business and political powers that aim to control production and wealth
at any expense.

Answer, to sue for the purpose of public exposure and of requiring a
warning, to be placed on ADA to public correspondence.  That the ADA include
with their seal or name, the statement that this is a trade organization
with no real public protection implied or provided.

Unfortunately, they say only "..fewer than 100 cases have been reported".
So legally they are covered in that statement.  However, I am sure that in
their 100 year history or so, they have actively sought evidence of
problems.  This had to turn up results other than what has been reported.
Where is that information?
If no such research has been done, then that is derelict.  Of course, their
constituency has done such research and reported it.

I doubt that the ADA is an organization that is charged with the
responsibility to provide for the public welfare, however, with their
endorsements so heavily laid before the public eyes, the impression is that
they assume or imply such responsibility.  Here is where an axe can fall.
The media exposure to such a case might be glorious. Any takers?

Hermis

As I sit here today and write this I am still in shock, it is
imcomprehensable to me why in the beginning of the milineum we would still
be arguing this point. Thirteen years ago a dentist did extensive dental
work in my mouth, placing 28 crowns lined with base metals. Within a very
short time of placement I began experiencing allergic reactions to these
metals, including a full blown reaction that affected my whole mouth and has
continued for all these years. I contacted the dentist who performed my
dental reconstruction and he denied that any of this had anything to do with
my dental work.

Since that time I have been diagnosed as having heavy metal toxic poisoning
which has all but destroyed my auto immune system. I have done extensive
research into this matter and have found that the use of these metals have
been at issue for over 150 years and even brought down the original Dental
Association as they were opposed to the use of these metals in patients
mouths.

I have seen medical doctors who specialize in enviornmental medicine as well
as specialist in the field of analysing metals and they all share the same
opinion that these metals in my teeth are not only toxic but deadly and are
destroying my immune system and have created the symptoms of MS,
Fibromylasia and Lupus. I have been told twice by the main stream dental
practioner to be tested for Lupus due to my symptoms.....

It is unconsionable to me as to your stand on this issue that these metals
are safe for human consumption. Then I found out that you hold the patent on
them and it all made sense. You do not care about the safety of the patient
or their health. Your care and concern is for the almighty dollar. You
should be held responsible for the destruction of the health and death of
vast majority of patients. You have set up a situation that not only
encompasses one generation of health problems but many generations of
declining health as you have placed your seal of approval on these materials
for over 100 years, assuring the dentist and the general public that these
materials are safe when in actuallity they are very damaging to the human
system.

Many times for many years dentist, scientist and medical doctors alike have
warned your organization as to the dangers of these metals and you have each
time done everything in your power to undermine those warnings. Including
taking the license of those dentist who would oppose you away for advicing
their patients to the dangers of these metals. You have treatened dentists
with the removal of their licenses for even lecturing on the dangers of
mercury amalgams.

I hear today that you state that there are fewer than a hundred cases where
patients have been ill affected by these materials. Well I wish you to know
that there are millions of patients effected. Many have died, many live
their lives debiletated by the effects of these toxic metals, many do not
even know it. You have done such a good job in spreading propaganda and
assuring that these metals are safe in order to protect yourselves from the
fury that the public will feel when they finally do hear the truth. And hear
they will.

One day the court system will unfold the ugly truth about these toxic
materials that your organization has labeled as safe for so many centuries
and you too will face the same fate as the Tobacco Companies and the
manufacturers of silicone implants have faced. They will show that you have
broken the anti-trust laws by knowing and hidding this ugly truth from the
public in order for your organization to get fat ($) at the expense of the
patients health. SHAME ON YOU.....

As I spend my money and my time trying to save my health and my very life I
will know that one day this truth will raise its ugly head and your
organization will pay the price to millions upon millions of innocent
victims of this travesty that you have portrayed. That you will be held
accountable for your actions.

This could very easily have been avoided with your admitting the truth,
taking responsibility for your actions and banning the use of all metals,
especially mercury from the dental field. Consumers have been concerned for
the safety of there childrens health when it comes to lead poisoning, what
will they think when they find out that the dental community has for
generations placed into the mouths of their children mercury which is far
more deadly and dangerous on an everyday basis, slowly poisoning them. The
dangers of lead base paint is nothing incomparison to the deadly toxic
affects of heavy metal toxic poisoning......May God have mercy upon your
souls for what you are doing and have done for generations......
Joyce A. Heidelberger

To whom this may concern

Please add my name Helmut Petrak to your ridiculous small list of complaints, there is no question in my mind that, that Amalgam and Root Canals have contributed to my Disease known as Multiple Scleroses, there so many studies pointing in this direction.

yours healthfully, Helmut Petrak, Pender Island, BC

Do get to know me better check my Website :

http://www.responsiblehealth.com

helmut@responsiblehealth.com

Dear Sirs:     I have had seven amalgam fillings for a long time. I also have very poor immune function, a TERRIBLE chronic cough all day long every day of the year (I even cough when I drink water), chronic infections that I cannot get rid of, chemical sensitivities, allergies, TERRIBLE fatigue, and more. I have recently been diagnosed with heavy metal toxicity from the amalgam fillings in my mouth as the cause of all this. Now I have to go to the expense of having them removed and having chelation done. If I had known I would have never had them put in to begin with. My health has been terrible for years and I have never drank or smoked or taken drugs. Please stop poisoning people without their knowledge.   Pat King

Sir, madam,

I have been extremely ill from long term exposure to dental amalgam, luckely a
friend one time told me to look for mercury poisoning as a possible cause for so
many a problem I had with my health. When he told me I thought of it as an
outlandish story, but still because he was a friend I gave it a try. I had a
profound recovery of most of 70% health within a few weaks, the other 30% took
longer. I had my amalgams removed and replaced by white (composite etc.)
fillings. Since the detoxification from mercury and the removal of the fillings
I have the feeling for the first time since a long time I have my live back in
my hands. The last time I felt so good was when I was 12 or so,  those where the
days when the dentist started to implant the first mercury amalgam fillings.

Science clearly proofs that mercury is released in large dangerous amount from
the amalgam fillings. And ofcourse science has proven and is proving over and
over again that mercury is extremely toxic. For you to make a decision !!!!!

I would like to point out to you as a health professional that you have a
responsibility about the health of your patients - and ofcourse not only about
their teeth  - . I would like to end with a quote from Prof Stock from Germany
1926 : "There will be a time that the introduction of dental amalgam will be
reckognized as a crime to humanity" I would say that time is very near, be sure
you are not to one that supports this crime !!!


Sincerely

Peter Doedens
Mundus Melior Foundation
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone / fax : + 31 20 4274601

The ADA claim is extremely silly.
   No one disputes that amalgam causes oral lichen planus for example, and
replacing amalgam cures it. Dental professors at dental schools admit and
teach this.  There are thousands of cured cases documented in medical
studies abstracted in Medline and referenced in my annotated bibliography.
I'll supply you with enough abstracts to satisfy your need.

     The U.S. FDA has records of over 1000 cases of recoveries of serious
condtions after amalgam replacement, also summarized and referenced in my
an. bib. These cases are public information, and ADA knows about them.

Note that I have over 60,000 cases of clinical recoveries documented in my
annotated bibliography, cases followed by doctors.  Are they saying the
doctors just can't be trusted to tell the truth??  And U.S. National
Institute of Health National Library of Science Medline is a part of a
conspiracy by accepting abstracts of medical studies in peer reviewed
journals reporting many of these fabrications??  I've sent these to ADA
before. Guess you just can't trust NIH these days.

And I have compiled about 100 cases of people I personally know
from the amalgam list who have recovered from serious conditions after
amalgam replacement.  I'll send to you.
I can tell you names of a lot of doctors in U.S. treating people for
mercury poisoning each of whom are aware of at least 100 cases of amalgam
poisoning.

I can also supply the names of Medical Labs that do tests for toxic metals like mercury.  They have many thousands of cases documented of high levels of mercury on the tests they do, much above the Medical reference ranges, obviously mercury poisoned.  These have over 100,000 cases of such that aren't even debatable.  Anyone on the amalgam list is one of that group.

Bernie Windham

I take serious offense at the statement made by the ADA that less than 100
reports of adverse reactions to amalgam have been reported. I, here and now,
am reporting my own to you. I trust you will add it to the 1-99 reports that
you have to date.

  I have suffered for four years from the effects of mercury poisoning due to
amalgam fillings. I know this to be true as I am mercury toxic and have no
other history of exposure to mercury. I would like to add that trying to
detox your body from this stuff is darn near impossible.

  You should be receiving at least 20-30 more reports from people like myself
in the near future. Do you suppose that might raise the number of reports of
adverse reactions to 'over 100'?

  Thank you for your time.

Kim Horton

Dear Sirs:

I consider mercury amalgams unsafe for humans.  I suffered from intractable
depression for over 30 years until I remortgaged my home at the age of 57 to
have my mercury amalgams correctly removed.  I no longer suffer from the
severe depression which has robbed me of much of my life.

In my research, I find it interesting that most of the alternative medicine
professionals suggest having mercury removed and many of their patients get
well.  In fact, the most successful cancer clinics in Mexico and offshore,
insist that all mercury fillings be removed and methods are then  used to
eliminate mercury from the body with many people with advanced cancers
getting well.

How can a material that the dentist must treat as a toxic, noxious poison in
his/her office be safe in a human mouth??!!!  No matter what it is mixed
with, No matter how it is applied.

How is it that some, highly intelligent, free thinking, highly trained,
dentists refuse to place mercury amalgams in human teeth?  Do they know more
than you?  The dentist who removed my amalgams started doing amalgam removal
after his young wife's serious illness was cured through almalgam removal by
Dr. Hal Huggins.

How is it that other countries have banned the use of mercury amalgams?
Does the ADA think it knows better?  Has the ADA truly investigated this
problem? or does arrogance and self-protection play a part?  Has the ADA
done pre and post hair analysis tests for mercury in humans?  I wouldn't
think so if they only believe there is around a 100 cases of mercury
toxicity in humans.

I think it is time for you to wake up and protect the people you have sworn
to serve with open eyes and integrity and save humans from further
suffering.  I am grateful to those dentists who do not agree with you.

I am very angry for the years I lost in my life because of mercury amalgams
and for the money I had to spend for removal when I had already spent a lot
of money to have them put in.  In fact, because of dentists, I believe I am
still being poisoned if I drink my tap water which has fluoride added to it.
Should we trust the ADA.  I think not.

Yours truly

Kallie P. Miller RN (Ret.)

To the Deaf, Blind & Dumb:

Since your inception, your guild has maintained that placing a know neurotoxin 2 inches from the brain "saves the tooth" and presents no hazard to the recipient. Well I am missing 14 mercury filled teeth and 2 years after I had these teeth removed 7 mcg/m3 of mercury could "still" be measured from my oral cavity. There is jaw bone necrosis under all  extracted back 4 quarters. Your disinformation of equating mercury with allergic reactions will not work anymore nor will saying that there is no scientific evidence.I expect this email to be meaningless to your guild but be assured that I will be spending what's left of my life to putting each and every living world-wide, national & local guild executive in JAIL.

Henry Jankowski

My sinus problems, oral infections, headaches, and prostate cancer have all
been eliminated since removal of the amalgams and chelation to remove
mercury codification.

Thank You!

Larry Clapp

June 1/00

This is to notify you that my TMJ & mercury toxicity was only eliminated
after removal of my amalgams. It is hard to believe and understand that a
toxic substance outside the body is not toxic in the body???

Chris Gupta

Dear Wayne,

This is quite unbelievable that an organization such as this could make this
sort of a statement publicly.  Well, maybe not so incredible.  More proof
that we are constantly bombarded with garbage.  Thanks for all your efforts
to expose.

Marilyn

In a message dated 06/01/2000 9:59:21 PM Central Daylight Time, WindstarPK
writes:

 I had a terrible reaction to amalgams.  Tremors, memory loss, permanent
sensitivity to chemicals, which resulted in having to move out of my home,
permanent endocrine system and digestive systems damage, changes in
personality which led to a divorce, which led to a 250% drop in income.  LOTS of medical bills for treatment and diagnosis.  In short, a major reaction.
 
 Sincerely,
 
 Pat Kultgen >>


This is a letter sent to the ADA.