EU Agrees to Phase Out Mercury in Dental Amalgam

On 8 February, the Council and the European Parliament reached a significant agreement to completely phase out mercury in dental amalgam, aligning with the EU’s Zero Pollution Ambition. 

Mercury, a highly toxic chemical, poses serious risks to human health and the environment, causing harm to the brain, lungs, kidneys, and immune system upon exposure to high levels. Despite the availability of effective alternatives, approximately 40 tonnes of mercury are still utilized annually in the EU, particularly in dental amalgams.

Urgency for Action

The Environmental Network for Environmental Medicine (EnvMed Network) emphasized the hazardous nature of dental amalgam, containing 50% highly toxic mercury, and its status as the largest remaining use of mercury in the EU. According to the EnvMed Network, approximately 1,000 tons of mercury are currently present in the mouths of the European population. 

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Florian Schulze, managing director of the EnvMed Network, stressed the availability and efficacy of alternatives, stating, “It has been proven that the alternatives are effective, available and affordable so that hazardous waste shouldn’t be unnecessarily placed into people’s mouths.”

This latest move reflects ongoing discussions within EU institutions regarding the elimination of mercury in dental amalgam. Initially proposed in 2012, a European Commission study indicated the possibility of phasing out mercury starting in 2018. 

Subsequent studies in 2020 and a Commission proposal in 2023 extended the deadline to 2025, which has now been confirmed by co-legislators. The agreement sets 1 January 2025 as the maximum phase-out date, with exceptions made for cases where dental amalgam is deemed necessary to address specific patient needs.

Considerations for Implementation

In certain EU countries like the Czech Republic or Slovenia, mercury dental amalgam is the sole material fully reimbursed by the public health system. Recognizing this, the agreement allows for an eighteen-month derogation until 30 June 2026 in cases where the reimbursement system does not cover mercury-free alternatives. Additionally, the export of dental amalgam will be prohibited from 1 January 2025, while manufacturing and import into the EU will be banned from 1 July 2026.

This landmark agreement signifies a significant step toward reducing mercury pollution in the EU, safeguarding both environmental and public health interests. With a clear timeline for phase-out and provisions for exceptional circumstances, the EU aims to transition toward safer and more sustainable dental practices, promoting the well-being of its citizens and the planet alike.

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