Green Forum • 5 June, 2024 at 7:00 AM
The European Union took a major step towards eliminating mercury use. New rules have been approved to completely ban dental amalgams, which contain mercury, and to prohibit the manufacturing, import, and export of other mercury-added products.
This update builds on existing regulations that restrict dental amalgams for certain groups. Currently, these fillings cannot be used on children under 15, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers. The new rules extend this ban to everyone in the EU starting January 1st, 2025. Exceptions will be allowed in specific situations where a dentist deems it necessary for a patient's health.
The export of dental amalgams will also be banned from 2025 onwards. Manufacturing and import restrictions within the EU will follow in July 2026.
Six additional types of mercury-containing lamps will also be prohibited from being made, imported, or exported starting between December 2025 and December 2026.
These regulations will be officially published soon and will become law across all EU member states. The rules allow for reviews in the future. By the end of 2029, the availability of mercury-free alternatives will be assessed to determine if dental amalgam exemptions can be lifted entirely. Additionally, the commission will examine actions taken by member states to limit mercury emissions from crematoria and the effectiveness of related guidelines