Amalgam Fillings: Norway is first to ban mercury in teeth

Mercury has been banned from all dental fillings in Norway.  Dentists in the country had to start using safer alternatives as a matter of law from the beginning of this year.  The metal has also been banned from all products, including measuring instruments.

The country had previously restricted the use of amalgam fillings, especially in children and pregnant and nursing women, but is the first in the world to enforce a complete ban.

Announcing the ban, Norway’s Minister of Environment and Development Erik Solheim said: “Mercury is among the most dangerous environmental toxins.  Satisfactory alternatives to mercury in products are available, and it is therefore fitting to introduce a ban.”

Norway is concerned that mercury in our teeth and in the environment is extremely dangerous, and can harm the development of children.  Unfortunately for Norway, most of the mercury in its environment comes from other countries that take a more relaxed view to one of the most toxic substances known to man.

Don’t expect our dental guardians in the UK and the USA to follow their lead any time soon.

(Source:  Townsend Letter, 2008; 297: 33).