Mercury Poisoning (cont.)
What about mercury in batteries?
Most batteries made in the U.S. do not contain added
mercury. The two exceptions are mercuric oxide batteries and button cell
batteries. Mercuric oxide batteries are produced for specialized use in military
and medical equipment where a stable current and long service life is essential. Button cell
batteries are miniature batteries in the shape of a coin or button that are used
to provide power for a large variety of small portable electronic devices.
The use and disposal of mercury-added button cells are unregulated at the
federal level.
- They do not have to be labeled;
- it is legal to dispose of them in
the household trash; and
- they rarely are collected for recycling in most U.S.
jurisdictions.
Some states are now considering whether the disposal of button
cell batteries should be regulated or whether recycling should be encouraged.
Because button batteries currently are not widely targeted for recycling, almost
all of this mercury presumably ends up in the municipal solid waste stream where
it is either incinerated or landfilled.
For a more information on batteries, see EPA's Web page on
Consumer and
Commercial Products.
What about mercury in dental amalgam
The silver fillings used by dentists to restore teeth are composed of a metal
"amalgam" containing roughly 50% elemental mercury and 50% other metals (mostly
silver with some tin and copper). Amalgam is one of the most commonly used tooth
fillings, and is considered to be a safe, sound, and effective treatment for
tooth decay. Amalgam has been the most widely used tooth filling material for
decades. It remains popular because it is strong, lasting and low-cost. Dental
amalgams are considered medical devices and are regulated by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA).
Safety of Dental Amalgam Fillings
The mercury found in amalgam fillings has raised some safety concerns over
the years. Amalgam can release small amounts of mercury vapor over time, and
patients can absorb these vapors by inhaling or ingesting them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), there is little scientific evidence that the health of the
vast majority of people with dental amalgam is compromised, nor that removing
amalgam fillings has a beneficial effect on health. A 2004 review of the
scientific literature conducted for the U.S. Public Health Service found "insufficient evidence of a
link between dental mercury and health problems, except in rare instances of
allergic reaction." For more information on dental amalgam use, benefits and
health issues, please see the CDC's "Dental
Amalgam Use and Benefits."
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer update on dental amalgam
advises, as a precaution, that pregnant women and persons who may have a health
condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure should discuss
dental treatment options with their health care practitioner. FDA, which
regulates the use of dental amalgam, is currently reviewing the scientific
evidence on the safe use of amalgam. It expects to report on any changes to
classification and material or labeling controls in 2009. Such changes could
impact the rules for the marketing of dental amalgam.
Alternatives to Dental Amalgam Fillings
Amalgam use is declining because the incidence of dental decay is decreasing
and because improved substitute materials are now available for certain
applications. If dental patients do not want to use mercury amalgam, there are
several non-mercury restorative materials available. Presently, there are six
types of restorative materials:
- mercury amalgam,
- resin composite,
- glass ionomer,
- resin ionomer,
- porcelain, and
- gold alloys.
Each type of restorative material has
advantages and disadvantages. Some factors that influence the choice of
restorative material used include: cost, strength, durability, location of
cavity, and aesthetics.
The choice of dental treatment rests with dental professionals and their
patients, so you should talk with your dentist about dental treatment options
that are available. The American Dental Association provides a brochure for
dental patients on the
advantages and
disadvantages of various types of dental fillings.
Environmental Releases of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Waste
Mercury from dental amalgam is a major source of controllable mercury
released to the environment and likely will remain a significant concern into
the future.
Mercury from dental amalgam is released to the environment through
three primary pathways:
- in wastewater,
- as solid waste, and
- through cremation of
bodies containing dental amalgam.
The majority of dental mercury amalgam is
discharged from dental offices to wastewater treatment systems. For more
information on environmental releases of mercury from dental amalgam, see EPA's
mercury Web page on Consumer and Commercial Products.
Next: What about mercury in fish? »
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