31 May 2016, Bangkok. After 200 years of mercury use in the dentistry, the time has come to think about use of mercury in dental amalgam. The Minamata Convention on Mercury – the latest global environmental treaty – calls on countries to stop harmful effects of mercury by reducing its use.
Amalgam - a liquid mercury and metal alloy mixture - became the dental restorative material of choice because it was cheap, easy to use, and durable. Today, the workshop, ‘Successful Strategies to Phase Down Amalgam Use towards Mercury Free Dentistry’, opened at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok today to reduce and eliminate mercury use in the dentistry.
The workshop is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Alliance for Mercury-free Dentistry in collaboration with Environment and Social Development Organization and Asian Center for Environmental Health.
Welcoming 44 participants from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam, Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD) of the Royal Thai Government, spoke about the efforts of the global community and governments to protect people from harmful effects of mercury. During his speech, he announced that Thailand is completing the final steps to ratify the global treaty on mercury.
Mr. Henk Verbeek representing UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) said, “Phasing out use of mercury is possible only if we demonstrate leadership and work in partnership”.
“The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry is honored to work with these nations to determine the most effective and equitable route to mercury-free dentistry for Asia and the Pacific”, said Mr. Charlie Brown, President of the global network of NGOs advocating phasing out of mercury.
