The use of amalgam, which is a mixture of metals including mercury, in dentistry is still widely debated. However, many dental practices still employ amalgam if it is clinically indicated. Even if some dentists do not personally use the material, they may encounter patients with amalgam restorations in place. Thus, it is vital that dental professionals know how to safely and effectively dispose of their amalgam waste.
Mercury in the environment
Mercury can enter and contaminate the environment through both natural and anthropogenic processes. The most common natural sources of mercury in the environment include emissions from volcanoes, degassing from the Earth’s crust and evaporation from water bodies. Human activities including mining, burning fossil fuels and certain waste releases elemental mercury into the air. Mercury present in soil can be due to fertilisers, fungicides and from solid waste.1
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