Reinhardt JW, Chan KC, Schulein TM. Mercury vaporization during amalgam removal. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 1983 Jul 1;50(1):62-4.
Using water spray coolant can reduce mercury vapor levels caused during amalgam removal and therefore lessen one source of ambient mercury vapor in the dental office. With wet cutting, mercury levels generally decreased as distance from amalgam cutting increased. Dry cutting caused similar levels of mercury vaporization when measured within 24 inches. A mercury-filtering mask (Mercury Vapor Respirator, Item No. 8707, 3M Co., St. Paul, Minn.) is commercially available and recommended for use during amalgam removal.