Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Borders University, KSA.

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Borders University, KSA.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, International University of Africa, Sudan.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, International University of Africa, Sudan.
Mercury exposure ,Urine mercury level ,Mercury toxicity ,Dental amalgam ,

The purpose of this investigation was to measure urine mercury level for a sample comprising 42 dental patients and 7 dental professionals and whether the concentration of mercury in urine had reached a disturbing level under chronic conditions of exposure. Urine samples were collected and concentration of mercury was measured for each of 49 volunteers. The individuals were divided into two groups of the 42 dental patients and 7 staff professionals. The experimental data involving urine mercury concentration, number of dental fillings and duration of fillings were assembled in tables. Multiple comparisons based on least Significant Difference (LSD) between six subgroups of patients and between two subgroups of dental professionals were drawn. Correlation studies between urine mercury concentration and number of fillings on one hand and duration of filling on another were conducted for the six subgroups of patients as well as the two subgroups of dental professionals. Furthermore, the F- ratio and T-test of significance were performed for the two subgroups of the dental professionals. The study indicated that the level of urine mercury found out was substantially high compared to WHO benchmark which is ˂ 2 µg/L for chronic exposure to mercury. The levels of mercury in urine discerned in this study for the volunteers under chronic exposure are remarkably high. Subtle disorders and ailments may be induced with concomitant public health hazards.

4 , 1 , 2014