The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and Dental Amalgam Solutions (DAMS Inc.) have jointly filed a petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to completely ban the use of mercury-containing dental fillings.
This dental material, commonly known as silver amalgam, contains approximately half its weight in mercury. The two organizations stated that the petition is the culmination of their joint effort to eliminate the single greatest source of mercury exposure in the United States.
The IAOMT and DAMS Inc. note that mercury is a cumulative neurotoxicant, posing a particular health risk to pregnant women, children, and those with neurological conditions. Calls for a ban on mercury-containing dental fillings have been long-standing.
Last year, the European Union passed legislation banning these materials from January 1, 2025, as part of its broader “Zero Pollution Action Plan” aimed at reducing the release of harmful pollutants such as microplastics, pesticides, and mercury into the environment.
Member of the European Parliament Tilly Metz, who co-authored the legislation, said the ban is expected to prevent approximately 10 tons of mercury from entering the environment by 2030.
In response to the EU ban, the British Dental Association (BDA) expressed concern, saying it could exacerbate the UK’s already strained dental system, leading to higher costs and longer treatment times, as amalgam remains the most commonly used permanent filling material on the NHS.
Nevertheless, Dr. Jack Carr, Executive Chairman of the IAOMT, stressed that the United States should follow the lead of the EU and other countries that have already banned such materials and completely ban amalgam fillings to protect public health.
In fact, the United States has gradually banned the use of mercury in a variety of products, including paints, preservatives, and some medications, over the past few decades. The latest ban on mercury in vaccines will take effect on June 26, 2025.
In 2020, the FDA issued guidance recommending that pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children under six, people with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as those with renal impairment or mercury sensitivity avoid amalgam fillings.
In contrast, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports the continued use of dental amalgam, emphasizing its safety, effectiveness, and durability, especially for patients at high risk of tooth decay. The association also points out that amalgam is more durable and easier to work with than other materials.
The CDA also recognizes the potential environmental risks of mercury and supports strict management measures. Environment Canada signed a memorandum of understanding with the CDA in 2002 to implement the Canadian Mercury Standard for Dental Amalgam Waste. In 2017, the CDA ratified the Minamata Convention, committing to a global reduction in mercury use.
The American Dental Association (ADA) holds a similar view, believing amalgam to be a safe, economical, and durable restorative material. Despite concerns about environmental risks, the ADA emphasizes that material selection should be based on a comprehensive consideration of sensitivity, longevity, aesthetics, cost, and clinical considerations. Amalgam remains an important clinical option.
