RELEASE OF MERCURY-VAPOR FROM CORRODING AMALGAM IN-VITRO

The release of mercury vapor was determined from eleven different amalgams exposed to externally induced corrosion by galvanic contact with a dental casting gold alloy. The electrolyte was an artificial saliva solution at 37-degrees-C. The corrosion rates of the amalgams could be divided into two groups corresponding to the grouping into conventional and high-copper materials. The mercury release rate decreased during the 24 h test period for all the amalgams except one containing indium. There was no significant difference in the total mercury release between the conventional and high-copper amalgams as groups. The same applied for the individual products, except the one containing indium, which released significantly more mercury vapor than the two products with the lowest release.