Estimation of Mercury in Human Enamel by Activation Analysis

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Abstract
The Hg content of human tooth enamel was determined by activation analysis. The radioactive isotope Hg203, produced by neutron irradiation of the enamel samples was separated and measured. The Mg content of enamel was 0.1 ppm in teeth which were unerupted and not in communication with the oral cavity. The mean Hg content of the outer enamel was 2. 61 ppm and that of the inner enamel layer 2. 34 ppm in teeth which had erupted but were not in direct contact with Ag amalgam fillings. The Hg content of enamel ranged from 153-1600 ppm where erupted teeth were in direct contact with Ag amalgam. The higher Hg content of erupted compared with unerupted teeth can be attributed to Hg vapor given off during the setting phase of the Ag amalgam while in the mouth or by migration of Hg ions from existing amalgam fillings. Migration of Hg was greater when these erupted teeth were in direct contact with amalgam fillings.

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