It’s clear that amalgam — a mercury-filled substance that sometimes is erroneously referred to as “silver” fillings — isn’t good for the human body. Yet, for decades children have been getting amalgam fillings as an accepted procedure for their teeth.
All that’s changed now, thanks to an international agreement of 137 countries to not put amalgam in the mouths of children 15 years and younger, or in pregnant and breastfeeding women. The 4th Conference of the Parties requires that all participating countries adhere to the rule.
The agreement, which took effect June 24, 2022, in part, is a result of work spearheaded by Consumers for Dental Choice and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. “The Children's Amendment establishes a new floor, a new minimum,” said Consumers’ executive director Charlie Brown. “The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, now a powerhouse coalition of 65 nonprofit groups, will work with governments, universities, health professionals and consumers to implement a ban on amalgam for the children of the world."
The U.S. FDA has already moved ahead to caution against using amalgam with children and child-bearing aged women. "Now, we urge government programs providing dental care to heed FDA's safety communication — and stop placing amalgam in children and young women now," Brown said.
SOURCE:
PR News June 24, 2022