1. Increased Release of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Fillings due to Maternal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields as a Possible Mechanism for the High Rates of Autism in the Offspring: Introducing a Hypothesis
Ghazal Mortazavi1, M Haghani2, Niloofar Rastegarian3, Sina Zarei3, and SMJ Mortazavi2,4*
SMJ Mortazavi, Ph.D
Professor of Medical Physics & INIRPRC Director
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

2. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

3. Electricity is an essential part of modern life.
It is estimated that by the middle of this century, the global use of electricity will be multiplied by a factor of 2.5 to 3.0.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

4. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are produced by the motion of electrons.
All electrical or electronic devices such as wireless technologies (e.g. Wi-Fi, mobile phones and cordless phones), laptop computers, microwave ovens and power lines produce electromagnetic fields.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

5. EMF Ocean! We live in an ocean of electromagnetic fields!
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

6. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

7. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

8. Why is Exposure to Different Sources of EMFs so Important?
Microwaves
May 2007
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
A very basic question that should be answered:
Why is Exposure to Different Sources of EMFs so Important?
SMJ Mortazavi, Ph.D

9. Very Frequent Use by the Whole Population
May 2007
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
Very Frequent Use by the Whole Population
Wide Geographical Distribution of Users
In Africa, No land-line but mobile phones are used
Poor Knowledge about the Effects
Inescapable Exposures
Very Wide Sources
Baby Watch, Wireless Technologies
Hidden Sources
Wi-Fi Signals coming from our neighbours
Continuous 24 h/d, 7 days/wk exposures
Old Standards
Challenging Serious Biological Effects
The issue of exposure to Children
Pictures from Amazon and e-bay

10. Current Controversies
However, the effect of RF-EMF on biological systems is still controversial.
Over the past years, our laboratory has focused on studying the health effects of exposure to some common and/or occupational sources of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as mobile phones [1-8] and their base stations [9], mobile phone jammers [10], laptop computers [11], radars [2], dentistry cavitrons [12] and MRI [13, 14].
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

11. Amalgam Mercury Issue
It was previously believed that dental amalgam, which contains about fifty precents mercury, is inert and cannot release mercury after restoration.
However, in 2009, the US FDA acknowledged that dental amalgam releases low levels of elemental mercury vapor.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

12. Dental Amalgam Safety Concern
Since 150 years ago, amalgam has been used in dentistry as an excellent and versatile dental restorative material due to its properties such as low cost, ease of application, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects 15.
However, nowadays, the popularity of amalgam is decreasing due to rapidly growing concerns about its detrimental health effects, environmental pollution, and aesthetics 16.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

13. Now there is a growing public concern!
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

14. Historical Changes of Mercury%
After some historical changes in the mercury- to-amalgam ratio, modern amalgams are now produced from precapsulated alloy consisting of 42-45% mercury by weight 17.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

15. Are low levels of mercury safe?
Are low levels of mercury safe?
Recent findings indicate that mercury, even at low doses, may cause toxicity
As dental amalgam fillings release low levels of elemental mercury vapor, today, there is a debate over :
If these levels are safe and
Whether the safety threshold is the same for different subpopulations.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

16. The rationale for our previous studies
Microwaves
May 2007
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
The rationale for our previous studies
Concerns regarding the rapidly growing exposure to EMF sources and increased mercury release from dental amalgam after exposure to electromagnetic fields, especially in children, people who are routinely exposed to electromagnetic fields and hypersensitive subpopulations, prompted us to perform more studies.
SMJ Mortazavi, Ph.D

17. MRI and the Release of Mercury
MRI and the Release of Mercury
Our first report on the role of exposure to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or microwave radiation emitted by mobile phones in enhancing the release of mercury from dental amalgam restoration was published in 2008 [7].
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

18. MRI & Release of Mercury
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

19. Mobile Phone Use and the Release of Mercury
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

20. Rationale for Our Recent Study
Nowadays, MRI systems utilize:
Stronger static magnetic fields
Faster and stronger gradient magnetic fields
More powerful radiofrequency (RF) transmission coils
SMJ Mortazavi

21. Methods in our recent study
Methods in our recent study
To overcome the limitations of our previous study, we have recently studied the effects of stronger magnetic fields (1.5 T in our recent study vs T in our previous report) and provided further support for the adverse effect of MRI in increasing the release of mercury from dental amalgam fillings [15].
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

22. Results
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

23. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

24. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

25. No Effect Reports in the Literature
No Effect Reports in the Literature
We have also shown that a few published papers which reported no increased release of mercury after MRI, may have severe methodological flaws [16].
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

26. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

27. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

28. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

29. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

30. Figure
Human exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones, MRI or X-rays can lead to increased release of mercury from dental amalgam fillings.
Ghazal Mortazavi, Hossein Mozdarani, Samaneh Jarideh, and SMJ Mortazavi . How Limiting is the Increased Mercury Release Due to Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields in Using Dental Amalgam in Restorative Dentistry? IJRR. In press.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

31. Figure
Considering the strong association between exposure to electromagnetic fields and increased mercury release from dental amalgam fillings, it can be hypothesized that maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields in mothers with dental amalgam fillings may cause elevated levels of mercury and possibly trigger the increase in autism rates.
Source: Ghazal Mortazavi1, M Haghani2, Sina Zarei3, and SMJ Mortazavi2,4* . Increased Release of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Fillings due to Maternal Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields as a Possible Mechanism for the High Rates of Autism in the Offspring: Introducing a Hypothesis. JBPE. In press.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

32. Autism Introducing a Hypothesis
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

33. Autism Issue:
There are some evidence indicating that perinatal exposure to mercury is significantly associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Furthermore, mercury can decrease the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, noreprenephrine, and acetylcholine in the brain and cause neurological problems.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

34. Autism Issue:
On the other hand, a strong positive correlation between maternal and cord blood mercury levels is found in some studies.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

35. Autism Issue:
Maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields in mothers with dental amalgam fillings may cause elevated levels of mercury and trigger the increase in autism rates.
Further studies are needed to have a better understanding of the possible role of the increased mercury level after exposure to electromagnetic fields and the rate of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

36. Autism Issue:
Considering the strong association between exposure to electromagnetic fields and increased mercury release from dental amalgam fillings, it can be hypothesized that maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields in mothers with dental amalgam fillings may cause elevated levels of mercury and possibly trigger the increase in autism rates
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

37. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

38. References
[1] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. Motamedifar, G. Namdari, M. Taheri, A. R. Mortazavi, and N. Shokrpour, "Non-Linear Adaptive Phenomena which Decrease the Risk of infection after Pre- Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation," Dose-Response, in press.
[2] S. M. J. Mortazavi, S. Taeb, and N. Dehghan, "Alterations of Visual Reaction Time and Short Term Memory in Military Radar Personnel," Iranian J Publ Health, vol. 42, pp , 2013.
[3] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. S. Rouintan, S. Taeb, N. Dehghan, A. A. Ghaffarpanah, Z. Sadeghi, et al., "Human short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones decreases computer- assisted visual reaction time," Acta Neurologica Belgica, vol. 112, pp , 2012.
[4] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. A. Mosleh-Shirazi, A. R. Tavassoli, M. Taheri, A. R. Mehdizadeh, S. A. S. Namazi, et al., "Increased Radioresistance to Lethal Doses of Gamma Rays in Mice and Rats after Exposure to Microwave Radiation Emitted by a GSM Mobile Phone Simulator," Dose Response, vol. 11 pp , 2013.
[5] S. Mortazavi, M. Mosleh-Shirazi, A. Tavassoli, M. Taheri, Z. Bagheri, R. Ghalandari, et al., "A comparative study on the increased radioresistance to lethal doses of gamma rays after exposure to microwave radiation and oral intake of flaxseed oil," Iranian Journal of Radiation Research, vol. 9, pp. 9-14, 2011.
[6] S. M. J. Mortazavi, A. Habib, A. H. Ganj-Karimi, R. Samimi-Doost, A. Pour-Abedi, and A. Babaie, "Alterations in TSH and Thyroid Hormones Following Mobile Phone Use," OMJ, vol. 24, pp
[7] S. M. J. Mortazavi, E. Daiee, A. Yazdi, K. Khiabani, A. Kavousi, R. Vazirinejad, et al., "Mercury release from dental amalgam restorations after magnetic resonance imaging and following mobile phone use," Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 11, pp , 2008.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

39. [8] S. M. J. Mortazavi, J. Ahmadi, and M. Shariati, "Prevalence of subjective poor health symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields among University students," Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 28, pp , 2007.
[9] S. M. J. Mortazavi, "Safety Issue of Mobile Phone Base Stations " J Biomed Phys Eng, vol. 3, pp. 1-2, 2013.
[10] S. M. J. Mortazavi, "Adaptive responses after exposure to cosmic and natural terrestrial radiation," Indian Journal of Radiation Research, pp , 2004.
[11] S. M. J. Mortazavi, A. R. Tavasoli, F. Ranjbari, and P. Moamaei, "Effects of Laptop Computers' Electromagnetic Field on Sperm Quality," Journal of Reproduction and Infertility, vol. 11, pp , 2011.
[12] S. M. Mortazavi, S. Vazife-Doost, M. Yaghooti, S. Mehdizadeh, and A. Rajaie-Far, "Occupational exposure of dentists to electromagnetic fields produced by magnetostrictive cavitrons alters the serum cortisol level," J Nat Sci Biol Med, vol. 3, pp. 60-4, Jan 2012.
[13] S. M. Mortazavi, E. Daiee, A. Yazdi, K. Khiabani, A. Kavousi, R. Vazirinejad, et al., "Mercury release from dental amalgam restorations after magnetic resonance imaging and following mobile phone use," Pak J Biol Sci, vol. 11, pp , Apr
[14] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. Neghab, S. M. H. Anooshe, N. Bahaeddini, G. Mortazavi, and P. Neghab, "High Magnetic Flux MRI Accelerates Release of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Fillings," THEIJOEM, 2014.
[15] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. Neghab, S. M. H. Anoosheh, N. Bahaeddini, G. Mortazavi, P. Neghab, et al., "High-field MRI and Mercury release from dental amalgam fillings," International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 5, pp , 2014.
[16] S. M. J. Mortazavi and G. Mortazavi, "Effects of X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging on mercury release from dental amalgam into artificial saliva," Oral Radiology, pp. 1-2, 2014/09/
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)

40. Thank you
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)