[Black or white--is amalgam 'out'? Part 1. Amalgam or composite: which of these 2 materials is the most deleterious?].

Dental amalgam containing mercury has been condemned because of its toxicity and hence to be damaging of harmful to the general health. It must be clear that many sensational, confusing and misleading reports have been published. Today there is evidence that dental amalgam in the oral cavity does not harm anyone's health. For those who are condemning amalgam there an abundant number of alarming reports taking into consideration the biologic effects of resin composites: methacrylate allergy for dentists and dental technicians, the three-finger-syndrome due to contact with liquid resin, allergic reactions at the level of the airways and breathing problems caused by dust particles (esp. composite particles after polishing procedures) have been described. It can be concluded that dental amalgam is not more toxic than resin composite in light of both patients' and dental care providers' health. Recent investigations demonstrated higher than expected health risks with resin composites.