During pregnancy, mercury vapour will cross the placenta and accumulate in the developing foetus. Mercury can cause abnormal hair loss and hair growth. Both may be present at the same time in different areas of the body. Hormonal imbalance can be restored when fillings are removed. This is of particular significance to infertile couples.
Research shows that sperm counts are reduced in men and imbalances in hormones occur in females.
Couples who have had difficulties are later able to start families. University of Munich, Forensic medicine department, Prof. Drasch's research shows direct correlation between mercury in the bodies of dead foetuses and still born children and the amount of fillings the mother has. The Germany Health Ministry now recommend no amalgam for women of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organisation the major exposure to mercury is from dental amalgam. They also say that there is no lower level of mercury exposure that can be considered harmless.