The Countdown is on for Safer Dentistry and a Healthier World!
Mercury is a chemical that is highly toxic to humans and the environment. Exposure to mercury, such as from mercury dental fillings can cause harm to the brain, lungs, kidneys and immune system.
Over the past twenty years the EU has developed a comprehensive body of legislation covering all aspects of the mercury lifecycle, from primary mining to waste disposal. This includes measures on trade, products containing mercury and mercury pollution.
The EU banned mercury-containing batteries, thermometers, barometers and blood pressure monitors. Mercury is also no longer allowed in most switches and relays found in electronic equipment. Energy-efficient lamps using mercury technology are only permitted on the market with a reduced mercury content. It is prohibited to use dental amalgam on vulnerable patients. In July 2023 the Commission proposed a revision to the current rules to further restrict the remaining uses of mercury in the EU.
UPDATE: Brussels, 30 May 2024: With the adoption by the Council, the phase-out of dental amalgam by January 2025 has been finalized. The European Parliament had already given its approval on April 10 with a majority of 98%. After being signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the Council, the legal act will soon be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force.
On 14 July 2023, the Commission proposed a revision to target the last intentional remaining uses of mercury in a variety of products in the EU, in line with commitments set out in the EU’s Zero Pollution Ambition. The revision set out rules to
- phase out the use of dental amalgam from 1 January 2025 in light of viable mercury-free alternatives, thereby reducing human exposure and environmental burden
- prohibit the manufacture and export of dental amalgam from the EU from 1 January 2025
- prohibit the manufacture and export of six additional mercury containing lamps from 1 January 2026 and 1 January 2028 (depending on the lamps type).
See the results of the public consultation and find out more about the revision.
