Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory

Scotland's specialised laboratory for trace elements and vitamins in health and disease

Mercury Monitoring for Dental Staff

Trace Elements

Vitamins

Specialised services

The Trace Element and Micronutrient Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary has accumulated over 25 years experience in monitoring mercury exposure of dentists and their staff. The service is centrally supported by the National Services Division and is currently free to dental staff in the NHS in Scotland.

We have a rolling programme to monitor each health board in Scotland in turn. The cycle of monitoring Scottish dental practices takes approximately three years. A list of NHS dentists is obtained from the Primary Care Department or Chief Administrative Dental Officer and invitations to participate are sent to all practices. The names of all participating staff are compiled, and forms with instructions and sample bags are then sent out. Initial assessment of mercury exposure is made by analysis of head hair. Hair mercury has been shown to be a good indicator of low-level exposure to mercury over an extended period.

The majority of staff have normal results but in around 10% the mercury concentration exceeds 2.0 µg/g. In these, we recommend a more detailed screen including fingernail, toenail, pubic hair and urine samples. If significant exposure is found, we will liaise about possible action and offer further follow-up. In some difficult cases, we recommend a visit by Occupational Health scientists to assess mercury levels in the air of the surgery.