Dental amalgam poses serious health and environment dangers globally. In this regard, the Children’s Environmental Health Foundation (CEHF) has advocated for enactment of the law to ban dental amalgam.
Noting that European countries have established enactment of the prohibition into law, CEHF calls on the government of Zambia to consider enshrining the prohibition in legal instruments.
“At Children’s Environmental Health Foundation, we thank the Ministry of Education for being one of the key players in driving a mercury-free world, we appreciate the presence of the delegation of representatives from the ministry at the tourism anniversary in Livingstone. Ministry of Education has continued to be a supportive player by venting room for advocacy in institutions of public learning. We learn with gratitude the impact an educated society contributes to the world,” said Michael Musenga, executive director, CEHF.
The efforts by the education ministry were witnessed by the student populace which was engaged from general and tertiary institutions of learning to advocate for legislation of dental amalgam prohibition. School environmental clubs and David Livingstone College of Education (DALICE) and others were the participants.
This year’s World Tourism Day was graced by Dr Namani Monze, Southern Province Permanent Secretary; Livingstone District Commissioner, Ms. Eunice Nawa; the Senior Clerk of Court, Livingstone Subordinate Court, Mrs. Florence Kunda Kalimbwe; Livingstone District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Mr. Billy Milimo; Livingstone Government Heads of Departments; leaders from civil society organisations (CSOs); as well as students, teachers and community members.
Musenga was part of participants of the team on a match past at the World Tourism Day commemoration in Livingstone. Mr. Musenga notes the importance of these national anniversaries and how they may help drive the agenda of a mercury-free world.
Dating back to around 165 years ago, dental amalgam has been a tooth restoration method in dentistry. Dental amalgam is the refill of natural teeth with artificial cavities. Environmental and concerns arise following the composure of the amalgam. Research has established that there is a high concentration of mercury in dental amalgam.
“The effect of mercury exposure in dental amalgam leaves no one behind, therefore, advocating for its prohibition on this special day contributes greatly to the mercury exposure-free world. Dental amalgam contains around 50% of mercury.
“Children’s Environmental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10. In commemoration of this day, we believe that together we can create a healthier, safer, more equitable future. This defines the goal of the Environmental Health movement,” said Musenga.
