title: Environmental issues in dentistry--mercury. FDI Commission.
abstract: One of the consequences of placing amalgam restorations is that mercury is required for the trituration process. In turn, this raises the issue of the possible environmental impact of mercury. This report considers ways in which any impact can be modified and reduced by careful attention to mercury usage and hygiene in the dental practice, the use of filters and separators in waste water pipes and the appropriate disposal of waste contaminated with amalgam. The total amount of mercury discharged into the environment varies considerably in different parts of the world due to both natural and human activities. The extent to which dentistry adds to this total also varies according to local circumstances and requirements. Recommendations are given for further development of ways to reduce mercury discharge and for further research into the environmental impact of the metal.
authors.affiliation: American Dental Association, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678, USA.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Arenholt-Bindslev
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schmalz
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Halbach
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berendsen
mesh_terms: D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects; D003727:Dental Auxiliaries; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000009:adverse effects; D018057:Dental Waste; D003815:Dentists; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D014943:Global Health; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000517:prevention & control; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D018057:Dental Waste; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury