WASHINGTON -- The American judicial system abounds with scare stories and strike suits. Leave it to the trial lawyers to blame almost every human ailment on someone with a deep pocket. The latest cause celebre is tooth fillings.
For over 150 years dentists have used a combination of metals, including mercury, to fill cavities. Millions of Americans and perhaps billions of human beings have had not just one or two, but up to a dozen or even more, fillings. People with money typically prefer gold or porcelain. But mere mortals usually choose amalgams.
Now a group of fervent but unscientific crusaders, with trial attorneys in tow, has targeted amalgams in the United States. Bills have been introduced in Congress and several state legislatures to ban the use of mercury.