According to the World Health Organization (WHO), factors such as growing electricity demand, ever-advancing technologies and changes in social behaviour have led to steadily increasing exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields. Dental amalgam fillings are among the major sources of exposure to elemental mercury vapour in the general population. Although it was previously believed that low levels are mercury (i.g. release of mercury from dental amalgam) is not hazardous, now numerous data indicate that even very low doses of mercury cause toxicity. There are some evidence indicating that perinatal exposure to mercury is significantly associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, mercury can decrease the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, noreprenephrine, and acetylcholine in the brain and cause neurological problems. On the other hand, a strong positive correlation between maternal and cord blood mercury levels is found in some studies. We have previously shown that exposure to MRI or microwave radiation emitted by common mobile phones can lead to increased release of mercury from dental amalgam fillings. Moreover, when we investigated the effects of MRI machines with stronger magnetic fields, our previous findings were confirmed. As a strong association between exposure to electromagnetic fields and mercury level has been found in our previous studies, our findings can lead us to this conclusion that maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields in mothers with dental amalgam fillings may cause elevated levels of mercury and trigger the increase in autism rates. Further studies are needed to have a better understanding of the possible role of the increased mercury level after exposure to electromagnetic fields and the rate of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring

1. Increased Release of Mercury from Dental Amalgam
Fillings due to Maternal Exposure to Electromagnetic
Fields as a Possible Mechanism for the High Rates of
Autism in the Offspring: Introducing a Hypothesis
Ghazal Mortazavi1
, M Haghani2
, Niloofar Rastegarian3
,
Sina Zarei3
, and SMJ Mortazavi2,4*
1
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
SMJ Mortazavi, Ph.D
Professor of Medical Physics &
INIRPRC Director
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
mmortazavi@sums.ac.ir

2. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
2

3. • Electricity is an
essential part of
modern life.
• It is estimated that
by the middle of this
century, the global
use of electricity will
be multiplied by a
factor of 2.5 to 3.0.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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4. • Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are
produced by the motion of
electrons.
• All electrical or electronic devices
such as wireless technologies (e.g.
Wi-Fi, mobile phones and
cordless phones), laptop
computers, microwave ovens and
power lines produce
electromagnetic fields.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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5. EMF Ocean!
We live in an ocean of
electromagnetic fields!
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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8. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs)
and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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A very basic question that should be
answered:
Why is Exposure to Different
Sources of EMFs so Important?

9. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs)
and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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Very Frequent Use by the Whole Population
Wide Geographical Distribution of Users
 In Africa, No land-line but mobile phones are used
Poor Knowledge about the Effects
Inescapable Exposures
Very Wide Sources
 Baby Watch, Wireless Technologies
Hidden Sources
 Wi-Fi Signals coming from our neighbours
Continuous 24 h/d, 7 days/wk exposures
Old Standards
Challenging Serious Biological Effects
The issue of exposure to Children

10. Current Controversies
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• However, the effect of RF-EMF on
biological systems is still controversial.
• Over the past years, our laboratory has
focused on studying the health effects
of exposure to some common and/or
occupational sources of
electromagnetic fields (EMFs) such as
mobile phones [1-8] and their base
stations [9], mobile phone jammers
[10], laptop computers [11], radars [2],
dentistry cavitrons [12] and MRI [13,
14].

11. Amalgam Mercury Issue
• It was previously believed
that dental amalgam,
which contains about fifty
precents mercury, is inert
and cannot release
mercury after restoration.
• However, in 2009, the US
FDA acknowledged that
dental amalgam releases
low levels of elemental
mercury vapor.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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12. Dental Amalgam Safety Concern
• Since 150 years ago,
amalgam has been used
in dentistry as an
excellent and versatile
dental restorative
material due to its
properties such as low
cost, ease of
application, strength,
durability, and
bacteriostatic effects 15
.
• However, nowadays, the
popularity of amalgam is
decreasing due to rapidly
growing concerns about
its detrimental health
effects, environmental
pollution, and aesthetics 16
.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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13. Now there is a growing public concern!
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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14. Historical Changes of Mercury%
• After some historical
changes in the mercury-
to-amalgam ratio,
modern amalgams are
now produced from
precapsulated alloy
consisting of 42-45%
mercury by weight 17
.
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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15. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• Recent findings indicate that
mercury, even at low doses, may
cause toxicity
• As dental amalgam fillings
release low levels of elemental
mercury vapor, today, there is a
debate over :
▫ If these levels are safe and
▫ Whether the safety threshold
is the same for different
subpopulations.
Are low levels of mercury safe?

16. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs)
and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• Concerns regarding the rapidly
growing exposure to EMF sources and
increased mercury release from dental
amalgam after exposure to
electromagnetic fields, especially in
children, people who are routinely
exposed to electromagnetic fields and
hypersensitive subpopulations,
prompted us to perform more studies.
The rationale for our previous
studies

17. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• Our first report on the
role of exposure to
magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) or
microwave radiation
emitted by mobile
phones in enhancing the
release of mercury from
dental amalgam
restoration was
published in 2008 [7].
MRI and the Release of Mercury

18. MRI & Release of Mercury
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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19. Mobile Phone Use and the Release of
Mercury
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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20. Rationale for Our Recent Study
SMJ Mortazavi
• Nowadays, MRI systems
utilize:
▫ Stronger static magnetic fields
▫ Faster and stronger gradient
magnetic fields
▫ More powerful radiofrequency
(RF) transmission coils

21. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• To overcome the limitations of our
previous study, we have recently
studied the effects of stronger
magnetic fields (1.5 T in our
recent study vs. 0.25 T in our
previous report) and provided
further support for the adverse
effect of MRI in increasing the
release of mercury from dental
amalgam fillings [15].
Methods in our recent study

22. Results
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• We have also
shown that a few
published papers
which reported no
increased release
of mercury after
MRI, may have
severe
methodological
flaws [16].
No Effect Reports in the Literature

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Ghazal Mortazavi, Hossein Mozdarani, Samaneh
Jarideh, and SMJ Mortazavi . How Limiting is the
Increased Mercury Release Due to Exposure to
Electromagnetic Fields in Using Dental Amalgam
in Restorative Dentistry? IJRR. In press.
Figure
Human exposure to electromagnetic
fields generated by mobile phones,
MRI or X-rays can lead to increased
release of mercury from dental
amalgam fillings.

31. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
31
Figure
Considering the strong
association between exposure
to electromagnetic fields and
increased mercury release
from dental amalgam fillings,
it can be hypothesized that
maternal exposure to
electromagnetic fields in
mothers with dental amalgam
fillings may cause elevated
levels of mercury and
possibly trigger the increase
in autism rates.
Source: Ghazal Mortazavi1
, M
Haghani2
, Sina Zarei3
, and SMJ
Mortazavi2,4*
. Increased Release of Mercury
from Dental Amalgam Fillings due to
Maternal Exposure to Electromagnetic
Fields as a Possible Mechanism for the
High Rates of Autism in the Offspring:
Introducing a Hypothesis. JBPE. In press.

32. Autism
Introducing a Hypothesis
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
32

33. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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• There are some evidence indicating that perinatal
exposure to mercury is significantly associated with
an increased risk of developmental disorders such as
autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Furthermore, mercury can decrease the levels of
neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin,
noreprenephrine, and acetylcholine in the brain and
cause neurological problems.
Autism Issue:

34. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
34
• On the other hand, a strong positive correlation
between maternal and cord blood mercury levels is
found in some studies.
Autism Issue:

35. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
35
• Maternal exposure to electromagnetic fields in
mothers with dental amalgam fillings may cause
elevated levels of mercury and trigger the increase in
autism rates.
• Further studies are needed to have a better
understanding of the possible role of the increased
mercury level after exposure to electromagnetic fields
and the rate of autism spectrum disorders in the
offspring.
Autism Issue:

36. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
36
Autism
Issue:
Considering the strong
association between
exposure to electromagnetic
fields and increased mercury
release from dental amalgam
fillings, it can be
hypothesized that maternal
exposure to electromagnetic
fields in mothers with dental
amalgam fillings may cause
elevated levels of mercury
and possibly trigger the
increase in autism rates

37. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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38. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
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REFERENCES
• [1] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. Motamedifar, G. Namdari, M. Taheri, A. R. Mortazavi, and N.
Shokrpour, "Non-Linear Adaptive Phenomena which Decrease the Risk of infection after Pre-
Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation," Dose-Response, in press.
• [2] S. M. J. Mortazavi, S. Taeb, and N. Dehghan, "Alterations of Visual Reaction Time and Short
Term Memory in Military Radar Personnel," Iranian J Publ Health, vol. 42, pp. 428-435, 2013.
• [3] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. S. Rouintan, S. Taeb, N. Dehghan, A. A. Ghaffarpanah, Z. Sadeghi, et al.,
"Human short-term exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones decreases
computer-assisted visual reaction time," Acta Neurologica Belgica, vol. 112, pp. 171-175, 2012.
• [4] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. A. Mosleh-Shirazi, A. R. Tavassoli, M. Taheri, A. R. Mehdizadeh, S. A. S.
Namazi, et al., "Increased Radioresistance to Lethal Doses of Gamma Rays in Mice and Rats after
Exposure to Microwave Radiation Emitted by a GSM Mobile Phone Simulator," Dose Response, vol. 11
pp. 281-292, 2013.
• [5] S. Mortazavi, M. Mosleh-Shirazi, A. Tavassoli, M. Taheri, Z. Bagheri, R. Ghalandari, et al., "A
comparative study on the increased radioresistance to lethal doses of gamma rays after exposure to
microwave radiation and oral intake of flaxseed oil," Iranian Journal of Radiation Research, vol. 9,
pp. 9-14, 2011.
• [6] S. M. J. Mortazavi, A. Habib, A. H. Ganj-Karimi, R. Samimi-Doost, A. Pour-Abedi, and A.
Babaie, "Alterations in TSH and Thyroid Hormones Following Mobile Phone Use," OMJ, vol. 24, pp.
274-278 2009.
• [7] S. M. J. Mortazavi, E. Daiee, A. Yazdi, K. Khiabani, A. Kavousi, R. Vazirinejad, et al., "Mercury
release from dental amalgam restorations after magnetic resonance imaging and following mobile
phone use," Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 11, pp. 1142-1146, 2008.

39. Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
39
• [8] S. M. J. Mortazavi, J. Ahmadi, and M. Shariati, "Prevalence of subjective poor health
symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields among University students,"
Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 28, pp. 326-330, 2007.
• [9] S. M. J. Mortazavi, "Safety Issue of Mobile Phone Base Stations " J Biomed Phys Eng, vol. 3,
pp. 1-2, 2013.
• [10] S. M. J. Mortazavi, "Adaptive responses after exposure to cosmic and natural terrestrial
radiation," Indian Journal of Radiation Research, pp. 104-112, 2004.
• [11] S. M. J. Mortazavi, A. R. Tavasoli, F. Ranjbari, and P. Moamaei, "Effects of Laptop
Computers' Electromagnetic Field on Sperm Quality," Journal of Reproduction and Infertility, vol.
11, pp. 251-258, 2011.
• [12] S. M. Mortazavi, S. Vazife-Doost, M. Yaghooti, S. Mehdizadeh, and A. Rajaie-Far,
"Occupational exposure of dentists to electromagnetic fields produced by magnetostrictive cavitrons
alters the serum cortisol level," J Nat Sci Biol Med, vol. 3, pp. 60-4, Jan 2012.
• [13] S. M. Mortazavi, E. Daiee, A. Yazdi, K. Khiabani, A. Kavousi, R. Vazirinejad, et al., "Mercury
release from dental amalgam restorations after magnetic resonance imaging and following mobile
phone use," Pak J Biol Sci, vol. 11, pp. 1142-6, Apr 15 2008.
• [14] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. Neghab, S. M. H. Anooshe, N. Bahaeddini, G. Mortazavi, and P.
Neghab, "High Magnetic Flux MRI Accelerates Release of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Fillings,"
THEIJOEM, 2014.
• [15] S. M. J. Mortazavi, M. Neghab, S. M. H. Anoosheh, N. Bahaeddini, G. Mortazavi, P. Neghab,
et al., "High-field MRI and Mercury release from dental amalgam fillings," International Journal of
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 5, pp. 101-105, 2014.
• [16] S. M. J. Mortazavi and G. Mortazavi, "Effects of X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging on
mercury release from dental amalgam into artificial saliva," Oral Radiology, pp. 1-2, 2014/09/30
2014.

40. Thank you
Ghazal Mortazavi (DDs) and SMJ Mortazavi (Ph.D)
40