§ Ian LucasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will commission research to ascertain whether the kinetics of mercury determined from occupational studies are applicable to patients with dental amalgam restorations; [48831]
(2) if he will commission research to assess the likelihood of harm to pregnant women and their babies from dental amalgam fillings during pregnancy. [48830]
§ Ms BlearsThe 1998 European Union expert report concluded that currently available data indicate that mercury from dental amalgam restorations will not cause an unacceptable health risk to the general population. There is little evidence that an unacceptable health risk is associated with occupational exposure of dental personnel providing due care is used in the preparation and handling 1069W of dental amalgam. The same report also concluded that there is no scientific evidence that the use of dental amalgam is related to adverse effects on pre and post-natal health or fertility. There are therefore no plans to commission further research into amalgam safety. However, it remains the Department's advice that dentists should continue to avoid or delay any dental intervention or medication during pregnancy.