Mercury-Free: The Wisdom Behind the Global Consumer Movement to Ban Silver Dental Fillings
By Dr. James E. Hardy
Gabriel Rose Press
The World Health Organization recognizes mercury as one of the top ten most hazardous substances to which humans are unnecessarily exposed. Amalgam fillings are composed of approximately 50 percent elemental mercury by weight. In 1996, James E. Hardy, DMD provided consumers with a well-referenced, easily accessible and excellently written book that not only describes how and why amalgam fillings exist and poison people and our planet, but also discusses how to join the fight to prevent (some) dentists from placing toxic volatile mercury into our mouths and what to do if we already have amalgam fillings. Dr. Hardy wrote the book to “clear the air” and provide the reader “with a guide to help…make informed, intelligent and appropriate choices about dentistry.”
Sadly, over twenty years later, the book is not outdated because it is still common dental practice to use mercury fillings. Moreover, as Hardy points out, even if your current dentist is using non-mercury-containing materials to fill cavities, you and your loved ones still may not be safe because you may be walking around with a mouthful of toxic fillings that were placed many years ago, with volatile mercury vapors seeping into your brain and body on a daily basis.
Dr. Hardy first questioned the use of mercury in dental preparations as a freshman in dental school, which did not go over well with his professors. (Hardy learned to keep his mouth shut and do his own research.)
Chapter 3 describes the history of how amalgam came into use and why it is still used today. Dr. Hardy bravely and clearly describes the role of the American Dental Association (ADA) in promulgating the supposed safety of a material the Association once banned because of its extreme toxicity. This chapter is crucial to understanding how such a horrific fallacy could continue into the twenty-first century.
Chapter 4 (“Master of Disguise”) describes the insidious nature of mercury and its mechanisms of action in targeting selected organs such as the brain, kidneys and liver. Dr. Hardy also provides a brief but informative synopsis of the links between amalgam and a multitude of diseases, and introduces his theory on autoimmune disease and its ties with mercury (and other) toxicities. A significant amount of new evidence has accumulated that supports his theory.
Chapter Five describes how unnatural levels of mercury are polluting the environment and poisoning us in ways of which we may be unaware. I learned that I have been contributing to mercury pollution by improperly disposing of mercury-containing products. Chances are that you are, too. Further, and also unknowingly, I have exposed myself to mercury in many of its toxic forms. Chances are, you have, too. Fortunately, Chapter 6 explains what you can do if you choose to become mercury-free.
The additional science that has emerged since 1996 supports Hardy’s position that human beings should not be exposed to this toxic metal. The new evidence should have caused the ADA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reverse their outdated claims that amalgam fillings are safe. The days of viewing amalgam as the best solution for saving teeth are over! Fortunately, we have the power to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. I recommend this book for readers interested in jump-starting their knowledge of amalgam and its effects. Even those who are already well versed in this area will appreciate a book that offers a refreshing, thoughtful and candid perspective from a dentist who chose not to remain quiet but instead had the courage to step out of the tenets of mainstream dentistry and reveal its flaws.
This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly magazine of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Spring 2018.
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David M Winsor says
I have been a chiropractor for over 40 years and remember reading this book. Like so many others, I became involved with so many other subjects that I put the bood aside. Today, I found the copy which was signed by Dr Hardy.
I plan to advise all my patients to try to find a copy.