Copyright scmp
Mercury, a fixture of dentistry for more than 175 years, is finally set for extinction. Countries around the world agreed on Friday to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgams by 2034 in a decisive step towards protecting human health from the toxic metal. At a conference in Geneva, signatories to the Minamata Convention on Mercury – aimed at protecting humans and the environment from mercury pollution – called time on mercury amalgams. Nations agreed “to end the use of dental amalgam by 2034, marking a historic milestone in reducing mercury pollution”, the conference announced in its closing statement. The World Health Organization considers mercury one of the top 10 chemical elements of major public health concern, calling it “toxic to human health”. Some countries have already banned its use in dental amalgam, a common filling material used for more than 175 years. More than 150 countries are party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which was adopted in 2013 and came into force in 2017. Parties at this week’s conference adopted amendments “establishing a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034”, the closing statement said. “This science-based, time-bound agreement marks a decisive step towards the total elimination of mercury use in dentistry and a safer future for all communities.” The treaty already stipulated that signatories must take measures to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgams. However, a bloc of African countries wanted a deadline, with a ban on their production, import and export, starting in 2030. Iran, India, Britain opposed As the conference opened on Monday, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jnr asked why mercury was deemed “dangerous in batteries, in over-the-counter medications and make-up”, but acceptable in dental fillings. “It’s inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in healthcare – and safe alternatives exist,” he said in a video message. A few countries opposed the idea of a phase-out by 2030, including Iran and India – and Britain, which said it was too soon. But countries came together and agreed a phase-out by 2034. “We have just opened the door to another chapter of the mercury history book,” said the convention’s executive secretary, Monika Stankiewicz. Mercury pollution is a scourge Monika Stankiewicz, Minamata Convention executive secretary “Mercury pollution is a scourge,” she said, adding that “by understanding one another and bridging our differences, we can make a difference in the lives of people everywhere”. The European Union’s representative called it “an important milestone in making mercury history: a step that will bring lasting benefits for human health and the environment globally”. Mexico, speaking for the Latin American and Caribbean countries, called it an “ambitious but realistic step towards a future free from mercury”. Skin-lightening cosmetics Overall, the conference adopted 21 decisions aimed at better protecting human health and the environment from mercury pollution. Countries also agreed to step up efforts to eliminate skin-lightening cosmetics containing mercury, through curbing illegal trade and strengthening enforcement. When added to cosmetics, mercury lightens the skin by suppressing melanin production. However, the process is not permanent and is dangerous to health. The conference heard that sales of such products had soared, especially online. Countries are also moving away from the use of mercury in small-scale gold mining and the feasibility of mercury-free catalysts for the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) – a key component of PVC plastic. “We have set ambitious new goals and left mercury a little further behind,” said the conference’s president, Osvaldo Alvarez Perez.
