Two groups – the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and Amalgama Mercury Solutions (Dams Inc.) – have submitted a report prompting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban mercury dental filling.
Also known as silver fillings or dental amalgam, the material contains about 50 percent mercury by weight. The groups described their report, announced Wednesday as a joint effort to eliminate what they called “the most common source of exposure to mercury” in the US population.
Iaomt and Dams Inc. They argue that mercury is a cumulative neurotoxin and creates specific health risks in vulnerable groups.
The push for the ban on dental amalgam is not new.
Last year, the European Union approved a regulation prohibiting mercury fillings from January 1, 2025. The prohibition is part of The broader EU zero -pollution action planwhich aims to limit exposure to pollutants such as microplastics, pesticides and mercury.
According to Tilly Metz, a member of the European Parliament involved in legislation, The ban is expected to prevent the release of about 10 tonnes of mercury in the environment by 2030.
In response to the ban, the British Dental Association (BDA) warned that it could have significant consequences For the already tense dental system of the United Kingdom, including the highest cost and longer treatment times, as amalgam remains the most commonly used material for permanent fillings in the context of the National Health Service (NHS).
However, the teams believe that it is time to follow the EU path.
“It is time to complete the process and prohibit the filling of mercury, aligning with global standards set by the European Union and many other countries that have already banned Amalgama fills,” said Dr. Jack Kall, IAOMT executive president. “The health risks associated with mercury fills have caused a global shift to safer alternatives and the United States should follow SEAL to protect public health.”
Mercury was banned in product number
In recent decades, the US Federal Government has banned mercury in various products, including paint, antiseptic, nasal spraying, ear drops, certain medications and, more recently, vaccines – effective 26 June 2025.
In 2020, the FDA issued guidance that advises when using mercury filling in the following high -risk populations:
- Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Lactating mothers
- Kids, especially under six years of age
- People with neurological situations such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
- People with kidney damage
- Anyone who has known sensitivity to mercury or components of
Dental compounds weigh in the use of amalgam
Canadian Dental Union (CDA) supports the ongoing use of dental amalgam, citing Scientific indications that it is a safe, effective and long -term restorative materialParticularly for patients who are at high risk of dental decay. It also highlights the durability and ease of installation of Amalgam compared to other materials.
At the same time, the CDA recognizes the environmental dangers posed by mercury and supports the best management practices to mitigate these risks. In 2002, Environment Canada and CDA signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the standard throughout Canada for mercury for amalgam dental waste. Canada also ratified the Minamata Convention for Hermes in 2017, committing a global phase of mercury use, including dental materials.
The American Dental Union (ADA) takes a similar position. States that dental amalgam is a safe, affordable and durable Restoration material. While environmental concerns about Hermes have caused regulatory action in the US and elsewhere, ADA argues that amalgam remains an effective and cheap choice.
Factors such as post -placement sensitivity, longevity, aesthetics, costs and clinical conditions under which a rehabilitation is placed should be taken into account when choosing a dental filling material, ADA notes.
