In a move that will change dentistry around the world, nations agreed to end the use of mercury-based dental amalgams in tooth fillings by 2034. Signatories said the move will mark “a historic milestone in reducing mercury pollution” at a conference in Geneva.
While some countries have already phased out the use mercury use in dental amalgam, the remaining countries agreed to the timeline put in place by The Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty to protect against adverse affects of mercury on human health and the environment.
“This science-based, time-bound agreement marks a decisive step toward the total elimination of mercury use in dentistry and a safer future for all communities.”
The World Health Organization classified mercury as “toxic to human health” and categorized it as one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said if mercury is “dangerous in batteries, in over-the-counter medications and make-up,” then it should be unacceptable in dental fillings.
“It’s inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in healthcare—and safe alternatives exist,” Kennedy said.
The phase-out date of 2034 was an agreement reached by the treaty after a bloc of African countries asked for a phase-out by 2030, but some countries opposed that idea, including Iran, India, and Britain, who said it was too soon.
“We have just opened the door to another chapter of the mercury history book,” Monika Stankiewicz, the convention’s executive secretary, said. “Mercury pollution is a scourge. …by understanding one another and bridging our differences, we can make a difference in the lives of people everywhere”.
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