Abstract
Background: Dental staff are exposed to mercury during their work. Aim: To determine the effect of mercury on their hematological parameters. Subjects & Methods: 83 dental staff, 43 use amalgam and 40 not, and 56 healthy persons, 19 have amalgam filling and 37 without it, were enrolled. All were subjected to measurement of mercury in hair, nails and complete blood count. Results: A significant increase of mercury hair and nail was found in the exposed dental staff when compared to both control groups. A significant increase of mercury hair in a non-exposed dental staff was detected when compared to the control group without amalgam. A Significant decrease of hemoglobin and absolute monocytes count was found in both groups of dental staff when compared to the control group without amalgam. 33.3% and 20% of the exposed and non-exposed staff had anemia. Conclusion: Exposed and nonexposed dental staff are liable to complications induced by mercury.