Originally published December 9 2008
Low-Dose Mercury Exposure From Fillings, Vaccines and Fish Linked to Heart Disease
by Joanne Waldron
(NaturalNews) In spite of the fact that mercury is routinely used in dental restorations and thimerosal, a preservative containing mercury commonly used in vaccines, an international team of researchers has warned in a press release that low-dose mercury exposure can damage the arteries, having a harmful effect on vascular function. According to The Scientific Information and News Service (Servicio de Informaci�n y Noticias Cient�ficas - SINC), the researchers recently published the results of a study they conducted in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology. The purpose of the study, according to its authors, was to determine whether really low concentrations of mercury, administered over a protracted time period, "could have a prejudicial effect on vascular response."
Low-Dose Mercury Exposure Linked to Heart Disease
Ana Mar�a Briones, a study author and researcher at the Universidad Aut�noma of Madrid (UAM) explained to SINC: "Because the relationship between mercury and cardiovascular risk has been explained recently, and that cardiovascular risk is known to be related to changes in vascular function, we intended to see whether a relationship existed between mercury and changes in vascular responses." Another study author, Mercedes Salaices, noted that the impact of mercury exposure "could be compared to the impact produced by other more traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes or hypercholesterolaemia." In other words, people who have been exposed to low doses of mercury over time are at a greater risk for heart disease.
Three Primary Sources of Mercury Exposure
The press release notes that there are three primary sources of mercury exposure today. One common source is the consumption of fish that has been contaminated by mercury. Other primary sources include exposure from breathing in mercury vapors from dental restorations and thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines.
What Level of Mercury is Considered Toxic?
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), most people will not experience adverse effects if blood mercury concentration remains at or below 5.8 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Unfortunately, people who live or work in polluted areas could have levels between 7 and 10 ng/ml. Moreover, people who eat fish on a regular basis probably have levels of 5.6 ng/ml, according to the press release.
Ill Health Effects From Mercury Can't Be Ignored
Given the results of this study, medical doctors and dentists can no longer deny the negative effects on human health of mercury fillings and vaccines containing mercury. It is also fair to assume that "safe" blood levels of mercury for pregnant women, infants, and children would be significantly less than for others. Since having mercury fillings replaced by an incompetent dentist could result in serious health problems, those considering this option should be sure to use only a dentist specifically trained in this area. It would also be prudent to minimize exposure to thimerosal found in vaccines (especially flu shots) and fish from contaminated waters.
About the author
Joanne Waldron is a computer scientist with a passion for writing and sharing health-related news and information with others. She hosts the Naked Wellness: The Gentle Health Revolution forum, which is devoted to achieving radiant health, well-being, and longevity.
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