July 28, 2016 Understanding the EPA’s Proposed Amalgam Separator Rule UPDATE: The EPA’s final rule (July 14, 2017) “requires dental offices to use amalgam separators and best management practices recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA).” UPDATE: The 2016 EPA Dental Effluent Guidelines were pulled from The Office of The Federal Register; and, though signed, will not be published at this time. Therefore, this rule WILL NOT go into effect. However, many states have state level laws requiring the installation of amalgam separators in their state’s Dental Offices. These state level laws will be unaffected by the withdraw of the EPA rule and remain in full force and effect. If there are any further changes related to this rule, we will be sure to update this blog accordingly. In September 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a new rule regarding dental amalgam. This regulation would require all existing and new dental practices to use amalgam separators to prevent amalgam from discharging into publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). Amalgam is a mixture of metals consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of tin, copper, and silver. Elemental mercury reacts with and binds together with the alloy particles to form an amalgam. Amalgam restorations are often referred to as “silver fillings.” Mercury is released into dental offices’ wastewater when dentists either place or remove amalgam fillings. “Studies have shown that dental offices are the largest source of mercury discharges to POTWs, contributing about half of the mercury received by POTWs.” Mercury is converted to methylmercury and builds up in fish and shellfish. When consumed, methylmercury is highly toxic, especially to fetuses, infants and children. Under this regulation, dentists would have to decrease their amalgam discharge “to a level achievable through the use of the best available technology (amalgam separators) and the use of Best Management Practices.” Many states have enacted rules requiring separators over the last few years. Therefore, if dental offices already have amalgam separators “that do not meet the proposed amalgam removal efficiency,” they would remain in compliance while the separator was still functioning. Once an office has installed a compliant amalgam separator, it’s important to manage the separator and collected mercury through a compliant recycling program. Utilizing Sharps Compliance’s 5-gallon Dental Amalgam Recycling System, which provides collection and shipment for recycling through UPS, cannot only help comply with the new regulations but can assure your mercury is safely and properly recycled. The EPA has delayed the release of the final rule twice. In May 2016, they postponed the regulation’s final release until this December in order to have time to review all of the comments they received for the proposal. Read More
August 25, 2015 What You Need to Know about Dental Amalgam Last updated on October 28, 2019 Controversy surrounds dental amalgam, the material sometimes used to fill cavities, because about half of it is composed of elemental mercury. Amalgam is a mixture of metals consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of tin, copper and silver. Elemental mercury reacts with and binds together with the alloy particles to form an amalgam. These fillings are also referred to as “silver fillings” due to their silver appearance.1 Elemental mercury releases mercury vapor that is primarily absorbed through the lungs, harmfully affecting them. Coughing, difficulty breathing and headaches are just a few of the symptoms of inhaling mercury. It is also possible for mercury to be absorbed through the skin; however, it is a much slower process.2 There are pros and cons for dental amalgam. Dental amalgam fillings are very durable and less likely to break than some other types of fillings. Amalgam is also the least expensive filling material. However, the elemental mercury in amalgam can pose a threat to people with amalgam fillings because the mercury can be absorbed through the lungs. Amalgam fillings are still considered safe for people six years and older according to the FDA.3 Composite resin and glass ionomer cement fillings are alternatives to dental amalgam. Composite resin fillings are more popular and consist of a type of plastic (acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass filler. Glass ionomer cement fillings are composed of organic acids and bases and may include acrylic resins. Both fillings are tooth-colored. Composite resin is harder to place than amalgam, not as strong as amalgam and more expensive. Glass ionomer cement can only be used in small restorations.4 It is important to dispose of amalgam correctly since it contains mercury. If dental amalgam is placed into the medical waste for disposal, it will end up in either an autoclave or an incinerator. Both of these disposal options result in the release of mercury vapors, which can be harmful to people and the environment. Several states have passed regulations, resulting in non-compliance for dentists who improperly disposal of amalgam. Amalgam can be handled either as hazardous waste and picked up or shipped to a hazardous waste disposal facility, or the dental office can recycle the amalgam. When the amalgam is recycled, the elemental mercury is extracted from the amalgam and reused in a number of different applications. Sharps Compliance offers a Dental Amalgam Recycling System, composed of two pails. The inner pail is lined with a silver foil bag for small amounts of amalgam-containing items that have come in contact with blood and saliva, sludge from filters and teeth with amalgam. The outer pail can be used for safe recycling of other dental materials, such as lead foils, used lead aprons, non-contact amalgam (not contaminated with blood), containerized x-ray fixer and old radiographs. 1 About Dental Amalgam Fillings 2 MERCURY (ELEMENTAL): Lung Damaging Agent 3 See FN 1. 4 Alternatives to Dental Amalgam Read More
