Countries agree global dental amalgam phase-out by 2034

Countries reached an agreement on Friday to end the use of mercury-based dental amalgam in tooth fillings by 2034, a decision set to reshape dentistry worldwide.

At a Geneva conference, parties to a treaty designed to safeguard human health and the environment against mercury pollution agreed to discontinue mercury amalgam.

Global dental amalgam phase-out by 2034

In its closing statement, the conference said nations had agreed "to end the use of dental amalgam by 2034, marking a historic milestone in reducing mercury pollution".

The World Health Organization lists mercury among the 10 chemicals of greatest public-health concern and describes it as "toxic to human health".

Dental amalgam, a widely used filling material for more than 175 years, has already been prohibited by some countries.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international agreement intended to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury and mercury compounds.

More than 150 nations are parties to the convention, which was adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017.

According to the closing statement, delegates at this week's meeting approved amendments "establishing a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034".

"This science-based, time-bound agreement marks a decisive step toward the total elimination of mercury use in dentistry and a safer future for all communities."

African initiative

The treaty had already required its signatories to adopt steps towards phasing out mercury-based dental amalgam.

A group of African countries, however, sought a firm deadline, proposing a ban on production, imports and exports from 2030.

As the conference began on Monday, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. questioned why mercury was considered "dangerous in batteries, in over-the-counter medications and make-up", yet permitted 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.

Several countries, including Iran and India, opposed a 2030 phase-out, while Britain said the proposed timetable was premature.

The countries ultimately united behind a 2034 deadline.

"We have just opened the door to another chapter of the mercury history book," said Monika Stankiewicz, the convention's executive secretary.

"Mercury pollution is a scourge."

However, "by understanding one another and bridging our differences, we can make a difference in the lives of people everywhere".

The European Union's representative described the decision as "an important milestone in making mercury history: a step that will bring lasting benefits for human health and the environment globally".

Speaking for Latin American and Caribbean countries, Mexico called it an "ambitious but realistic step towards a future free from mercury".

Skin-lightening cosmetics

In total, the conference adopted 21 decisions intended to improve protection for human health and the environment against mercury pollution.

Countries also committed to intensify action to remove mercury-containing skin-lightening cosmetics, by restricting illegal trade and reinforcing enforcement.

Mercury lightens skin when used in cosmetics because it suppresses melanin production, but the effect is temporary and harmful to health.

Delegates heard that sales of these products have risen sharply, particularly online.

Gold mining and PVC production

Countries are additionally reducing mercury use in small-scale gold mining and examining whether mercury-free catalysts can be used to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a crucial ingredient in PVC plastic.

The conference president, Osvaldo Alvarez Perez, said: "We have set ambitious new goals, and left mercury a little further behind."

© Agence France-Presse