Description of persons with symptoms presumed to be caused by electricity or visual display units--oral aspects | JoVE Visualize

Description of persons with symptoms presumed to be caused by electricity or visual display units--oral aspects

J Bergdahl¹, G Anneroth, E Stenman

¹Department of Oral Pathology, Umeå University, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research|February 1, 1994

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Many individuals with symptoms attributed to electrical environments and visual display units believe dental materials, particularly amalgam, contribute to their health issues. Replacing amalgam fillings led to symptom improvement for some.

Area of Science:

Environmental Health
Occupational Health
Dental Materials Science

Background:

Members of the Association for Those Injured by Electricity and Visual Display Units (ATEVI) in northern Sweden reported persistent general and oral symptoms.
Symptoms were often work-related, particularly in office environments with computers, and aggravated by general "electric environments".

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the perceived impact of dental materials, specifically amalgam, on symptoms experienced by individuals sensitive to electrical environments and visual display units.
To assess the prevalence of symptom replacement of dental amalgam and its effect on reported health outcomes.

Main Methods:

A questionnaire was distributed to 127 ATEVI members, with 103 (81%) responding.
The survey collected data on demographics, work environment, general and oral symptoms, perceived dental material influence, amalgam replacement status, and medical history.

Main Results:

A majority of respondents (79%) were women, with a mean age of 45. Most symptoms began at work and were aggravated by office environments and "electric environments."
Common general symptoms included skin complaints, fatigue, and eye issues. Oral symptoms, such as gustatory disturbances, burning mouth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, were reported by 65% of respondents.
Over half (56%) believed dental amalgam contributed to their symptoms, while 21% were replacing amalgam fillings and 40% had already done so, with 37% reporting symptom decrease post-replacement.

Conclusions:

A significant portion of individuals experiencing symptoms related to electrical environments and visual display units suspect dental amalgam as a contributing factor.
Replacement of dental amalgam fillings appears to correlate with a reduction in symptoms for a subset of affected individuals, warranting further investigation.