Amalgam--fact and fiction.

A brief history of amalgam is given, stressing the role of G. V. Black. The background and the progress of the two Amalgam Wars are sketched. Aspects are presented of the drawbacks of amalgam with respect to toxic effects of, especially, mercury vapor and corrosion products. An account is given of some frequent fallacies concerning the health hazards of dental amalgam fillings and the role of psychosocial factors in the development of illness attributed to amalgam is emphasized.