Europe to Decide on Use of Mercury in Dentistry

By Tharanga YakupitiyageUNITED NATIONS, Dec 6 2016 (IPS)Europe will soon decide the future of a common but controversial dental practice: mercury in tooth fillings.Three major European institutions, namely the European Commission, Parliament and Council, are due to meet on 6 December to discuss regulations on mercury, particularly its use in dentistry. Mercury fillings removalMercury makes up 50 percent of amalgam, which is commonly used for dental fillings. Europe is currently the world’s largest amalgam user.A coalition of over 25 international non-governmental organisations launched a global campaign in July to end the use of mercury in dentistry, citing health and environmental risks.“Mercury is globally one of the 10 chemicals of major public health concern, yet the Commission proposes we maintain the status quo,” said Health Care Without Harm Europe’s Chemicals Policy Advisor Philippe VandendaeleAmalgam is often the largest source of mercury releases in municipal wastewater and is also an increasing source of mercury air pollution from crematoria.Mercury entering water bodies can contaminate fish and other animals, further exposing consumers to dangerous levels of secondary poisoning.Though direct health risks from amalgam are still uncertain, mercury is known to cause damage to the brain and nervous system of developing fetuses, infants and young children.As a result, the European Commission’s health advisory committee recommended a ban on mercury-based filli...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Environment Europe Global Headlines Health Water & Sanitation Source Type: news