Dentistry, amalgam, and pollution prevention.
California has issued fish consumption advisories because of mercury in lakes, reservoirs, creeks, rivers, and bays. Mercury in these waterways leads to the formation of methylmercury, which is toxic and bioaccumulative. Dental practices and other health care settings contribute a portion of this mercury. Government agencies are implementing programs to reduce mercury pollution. Dentists can reduce their contributions by implementing best management practices. They may also consider using pretreatment technologies as more information becomes available about their use and effectiveness.
Johnson
W J
WJ
California Dental Association, 1201 K St., 14th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.
Pichay
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D002140:California; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003813:Dentistry / Q000592:standards*; D005161:Facility Regulation and Control / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007879:Legislation, Dental; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control
D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D003723:Dental Amalgam