Global Agreement Reached to Phase Out Mercury in Dental Fillings by 2034

Global Agreement Reached to Phase Out Mercury in Dental Fillings by 2034

In a significant step towards reducing mercury pollution, countries around the world unanimously agreed on Friday, November 7th, during a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to phase out the use of mercury-containing dental amalgams by 2034. This decision is expected to have a profound impact on the global dental industry.

The agreement was reached under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. The convention's member states approved a resolution to end the use of mercury amalgams in dental fillings gradually over the next decade.

'This scientifically-based, time-bound agreement marks a decisive step towards eliminating the use of mercury amalgams in dentistry and creating a safer future for all communities,' stated one of the delegates at the meeting. Mercury has been used as a component in dental fillings for over 175 years, despite its well-documented health risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified mercury as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern, emphasizing its harmful effects on human health. Several countries have already banned the use of mercury in dental fillings, paving the way for this global agreement.

The Minamata Convention was adopted in 2013 and came into effect in 2017. To date, over 150 countries have ratified the treaty, demonstrating a strong international commitment to reducing mercury pollution.