BRUSELAS, 10 Apr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The plenary session of the European Parliament this Wednesday supported a ban on the use of mercury in dental amalgams from 2025, although an exception is included until June 30, 2026 to avoid negative repercussions for people with low incomes.
The European Parliament has adopted with 575 votes in favor, 12 against and 38 abstentions the provisional political agreement reached in February with the EU countries – which have yet to endorse the agreement – on the uses of mercury in EU products , in accordance with the commitments established in the zero pollution ambition.
The new law plans to prohibit the use of this material before January 1, 2025, except if dentists consider it strictly necessary based on the duly justified specific medical needs of the patient.
Although there are viable alternatives without the presence of toxic substances, around 40 tons of mercury are still used annually in the EU for dental amalgams, since current regulations only prohibit their use for the treatment of the teeth of children under the age of 10. 15 years old, as well as pregnant women.
EU countries that have not yet adjusted their reimbursement system to cover the alternatives can postpone the phase-out until June 30, 2026, to avoid negative repercussions for low-income people who would otherwise be affected. “disproportionately” by the ban.
The export of dental amalgam will also be prohibited from January 1, 2025, while manufacturing and import into the EU will be restricted from July 1, 2026.
