On January 1, 2008, Norway became the first country to introduce a 100% ban on the use of amalgam/mercury fillings in dentistry. Prior to this current ban, only pregnant women and children were protected from this toxic heavy metal. The current ban protects everyone, without exemption. Any product that is produced, sold, or delivered in or out of the country must not contain mercury as well.

Erik Solheim, Minister of Environment and Development in Norway states that mercury is extremely dangerous, and that many other alternatives can safely be used in its place. These alternative composite dental fillings have withstood the test of time. Because of this, the ban was put into place for good, ensuring all are protected.

On April 1, 2008, Sweden also followed suit banning all amalgam fillings. It’s expected that other countries are considering wider bans as well.

There are major environmental issues involving mercury pollution as well. In the United States the EPA estimates that over 70,000 pounds of medical waste containing this poison is radiated into the atmosphere each year, make it a leading cause of mercury pollution.

It’s expected that the United States will be one of the last countries to enforce this ban. However, in this country it’s much more of a political issue that involves big organizations still demanding that it’s a necessary option that dentists should continue to be able to use on their patients. Stay tuned for updates on this throughout the year.