The World Health Organization considers mercury one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, calling it “toxic to human health” – Copyright GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File KEVORK DJANSEZIAN
Robin MILLARD
Countries agreed on Friday to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgam in tooth fillings by 2034, in a move that will change the way dentistry is done around the world.
At a conference in Geneva, signatories to a treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury pollution decided to call time on mercury amalgams.
Nations agreed “to end the use of dental amalgam by 2034, marking a historic milestone in reducing mercury pollution,” the conference said in its final statement.
The World Health Organization considers mercury one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, calling it “toxic to human health”.
Some countries have already banned its use in dental amalgam, a common filling material to treat tooth decay that has been used for more than 175 years.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury and mercury compounds.
More than 150 countries are parties to the convention, which was adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017.
The sixth conference of the parties to the treaty, held in Geneva this week, adopted amendments that “establish a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034,” the final statement said.
“This science-based, time-bound agreement marks a decisive step toward the complete elimination of mercury use in dentistry and a safer future for all communities.”
– African initiative –
The treaty already required signatories to take steps to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgams.
However, a bloc of African countries wanted to go further, banning their production, import and export starting in 2030.
In a video message at the start of the conference on Monday, US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. asked why mercury is considered “dangerous in batteries, over-the-counter drugs and makeup” but acceptable in dental fillings.
“It is inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in healthcare – and there are safe alternatives,” he said.
Some countries opposed the idea of phasing out by 2030, including Iran and India, and Britain, which said it was too soon.
But the countries came together and agreed to a phase-out by 2034.
“We have just opened the door to another chapter in the mercury history book,” said the assembly’s executive secretary Monika Stankiewicz.
“Mercury pollution is a scourge.”
However, “by understanding each other and bridging our differences, we can make a difference in the lives of people everywhere, and indeed in the life of this beautiful planet we share.”
Conference president Osvaldo Alvarez Perez added: “We have set new ambitious goals and left mercury a little further behind.”
In total, the conference adopted 21 resolutions aimed at advancing the convention’s goal of protecting human health and the environment from mercury pollution.
