Dental Amalgam and Mercury Bans
Norway and Sweden Ban Mercury and Reduce Pollution
Dental amalgam has been used for over 100 years but there remain concerns about its effects on health and the environment.
- Some people are not aware that their fillings are made with toxic mercury. The word mercury has been avoided for so long in dental amalgam, its not common knowledge that they contain 50% mercury.
- Only about 30% of dental amalgam is silver, although they are often referred to as silver fillings.
- Mercury from dental amalgam is absorbed into the body through chewing, brushing and grinding teeth. Dental amalgam fillings can also break down so particles are possibly swallowed over time.
Alternatives to Dental Amalgam
Alternate material for fillings and dental repairs include plastics, ceramics and metal. Dental amalgam use has declined worldwide. The quality of dental work done with these alternatives depends on the training and experience of the dentist. Because dental amalgam is durable, familiar and costs less, there is resistance to change from some dentists.
Mercury Bans
Norway recently banned the use of mercury including dental amalgam. It took effect January 1, 2008. "These bans clearly indicate that amalgam is no longer needed. There are viable non-mercury filling substitutes that are used everyday in the US," said Michael Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project. "By eliminating amalgam use, which is 50% mercury, we can reduce mercury pollution much more efficiently than end-of-the-pipeline solutions." (OSLO, Norway, Jan. 3, 2008) Sweden announced a similar ban that will come into effect April 1, 2008.
- According to the Environmental Protection Agency 187 incinerators nationwide emit 70,000 pounds of mercury into the environment every year. This makes medical waste incinerators one of the leading causes of toxic mercury emissions.
- Dr. Mark Richardson released the report "Assessment of Mercury Exposure and Risks from Dental Amalgam" in 1995. The model and methods used were controversial but it was the first study of risk assessment on mercury exposure from dental amalgam in Canada.
- Levels from amalgam fillings do not usually become high enough to be recognized as mercury poisoning so this has added to the controversy and the confusion.
Dental Amalgam Filling Removals
The more fillings people have that contain mercury the higher the mercury levels are in their blood. Once the fillings are removed, the mercury levels decrease. Some people who have had reactions to dental amalgam report improved health after removal. The removals need to done carefully so that neither the dentist nor the patient is exposed to mercury vapors.
Pregnant women and children are discouraged from either getting dental amalgam fillings or having them removed. The fact that mercury can cross the placenta makes it a concern for pregnant women since a fetus is more vulnerable to toxins. Since mercury is a neurotoxin, it affects the brain and nervous system as well as the kidney and lungs.
- It is ironic that medical workers contribute to mercury exposure when their job is to improve health. There is still much controversy and debate over "safe" amounts of mercury exposure if there is such a thing. As research continues, there becomes more evidence that even low levels of mercury exposure can lead to problems with people’s memories and ability to learn.
Mercury in our soil and water affects the whole eco-system’s health. Proper disposal of mercury is important so it doesn't pollute our environment and dentists are encouraged to use safer alternatives.
Sources: Health Canada, The Safety of Dental Amalgam, 2002, Stason .org, Amalgam and Mercury Free Dentistry, 2002
At the Dentist
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