Such exposures demonstrate high levels of mercury in blood and urine, and are the basis of present diagnostic standards for mercury toxicity. Because of the strong attraction for molecules containing sulfur, low doses of mercury clear from the blood quickly taking residence in the body in an immobilized and not easily detected state. Traditional diagnostic methods and standards for acute mercury toxicity are inadequate for determining health dysfunctions arising from long term low-dose exposure to mercury via dental fillings. Independent researchers have also shown that CFS sufferers have continuously activated immune systems, though a long sought viral cause for this activation still cannot be identified. Immune sensitization against mercury and other dental metals changes the nature of the discussion regarding the safety of dental metals.
Acute exposure criteria no longer apply when the immune system is directly involved.
The standard of practice in allergic immunology is to avoid the substance that stimulates the immune system. Diagnosing metal caused illness. Every commonly used method of diagnosing dental metal caused illness has problems. Hair tests can show elevated mercury, but very rarely show enough mercury to meet acute exposure standards. Urine studies are also insufficient to agree with acute exposure criteria.