Flash curves

By short-circuiting different types of
amalgam different flash peaks are
obtained as shown in the illustration below.

  1. A large part of the mercury which leaves an amalgam filling has its origin in the emission of mercury ions from inside the filling.

  2. The continuous emission of mercury ions from inside the amalgam fillings produces a continuous volume of vaporised mercury 24 hours a day in the breath.

  3. Obligatory sampling should be introduced since the intensity of the emission is largely dependant on the composition of the amalgam powder.