The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and the U.S. National Medical Association have asked Nigeria to phase out the use of amalgam in dentistry. Amalgam contains 50% mercury, which poses a health and environmental risk.
In two separate correspondents dated September 20, 2024, and addressed to Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the organisations urged a fast transition to amalgam-free dentistry for Nigeria.
Graeme Munro-Hall, UK Dentist and Chief Dental Officer of the World Alliance, said: “As an author of a book about toxics in dentistry, as retired practicing dentist with a mercury-free practice for 40 years, and now as the chief dental officer of the worldwide coalition spearheading mercury-free dentistry for all, I urge the great nation of Nigeria to transition rapidly to an end date for dental amalgam.
“Amalgam is a health risk, a workplace hazard, and an environmental menace, which is why it occupies a major place in the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The alternatives are available, affordable, and effective. Large number of Nigerian dentists – we believe the majority – have already transitioned to mercury-free dentistry for their patients.”
According to him, the Children’s Amendment to the treaty that entered into force 12 months ago calls for each Party to end amalgam for children and for pregnant women and for breastfeeding women.
He disclosed that amalgam use is declining in Africa: banned in Gabon, Tanzania on a five-year phase out date, Mauritius, Tunisia and Zambia ended amalgam in use for children, and Benin ended amalgam in the military.
Munro-Hall called on Nigeria to be prepared for the new era of mercury-free dentistry.
The U.S. National Medical Association that represents America’s African-American physicians disclosed that its official policy is opposition to mercury in medical devices and in dentistry, and that it backs the call for the full phase out of dental amalgam.
In the letter, chair of the association, Mark A. Mitchell, said: “America’s Black Doctors’ organisation urges amalgam phase out for Nigeria. The Black physicians in America stand with African governments acting to end dental amalgam.”
Mitchell added: “Once asking only for the phase down of dental amalgam, the Minamata Convention has shifted focus to phase OUT of amalgam. First, the Children’s Amendment, adopted at COP4 and entering into legal force in September 2024, requires governments to adopt policies that lead to the end of amalgam for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women. Second, at COP5 the Parties unanimously inserted into the treaty the phase out of amalgam by 2030 as its goal.
“Modern dentistry is mercury-free dentistry. Amalgam, 50% mercury, is a risk to patients and dental workers, and a contributing cause to poisoning fish which children eat. Moreover, dental amalgam is an environmental injustice. Increasingly, middle-class consumers do not receive amalgam. We must lift all boats – end amalgam for all.”
