Following a lawsuit filed by a number of consumer advocacy groups looking to eliminate the use of mercury in dental fillings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement saying that metal dental fillings may lead to health problems like multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease in pregnant women, little children or fetuses.

Mercury dental fillings or amalgams contain 20 to 35 percent silver, tin, copper, zinc, while mercury accounts of half of its weight. According to recent studies, mercury can cause serious health problems in adults, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and neurological problems.

In 2004, the U.S. government issued a warning for pregnant women or for women who might become pregnant to limit mercury levels in their food as it would cause damage to their babies’ nervous system.

Mercury is considered to be extremely toxic and if absorbed by the human body can cause both chronic and acute poisoning. Mercury poisoning symptoms include sensory impairment (vision, hearing, speech), lack of coordination and it becomes more acute depending on the level of exposure.

In children, it can cause red cheeks and nose, loss of hair, teeth and nails; it can lead to kidney dysfunction or memory impairment and insomnia.

Now the FDA issued a statement saying “dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses.” Therefore, the agency encourages people with a lower tolerance to mercury, as well as pregnant women “to discuss options with their health practitioners.” However, it does not recommend the removal of silver fillings.

Moreover, as part of the settlement, the FDA must identify all the problems associated with amalgams in a study. After having its result, the agency will re-evaluate its rule for amalgams’ use. This rule is not expected earlier than July 20009, FDA representative Peper Long told Reuters.