Health
EU agreement to ban mercury dental fillings
Despite alternatives, around 40 tonnes of mercury are still used for dental amalgam in the EU every year (symbolic image). photo
© Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
According to EU information, the heavy metal mercury is highly toxic. Despite this, it is still used in large quantities for dental amalgam. This should end across the EU in the future.
Negotiators from Parliament and the EU states agreed on the new requirements. The two institutions still have to approve the project. Most of the time it’s a formality.
Despite mercury-free alternatives, around 40 tonnes of mercury are still used for dental amalgam in the EU every year, according to Parliament. Current regulations only prohibit such fillings for children under 15 and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
There is to be a ban on the export of lamps containing mercury
According to the EU Parliament’s chief negotiator, Marlene Mortler (CSU), it was also agreed that lamps containing mercury may only be exported to countries outside the EU until June 30, 2026.
The agreement is based on a proposal from the EU Commission that the authority presented in the summer. According to EU information, the heavy metal mercury is highly toxic. Inhaling mercury vapor can cause permanent damage to the brain, lungs, kidneys and immune system. In the past, the heavy metal was used, for example, in batteries, thermometers and fluorescent tubes.