Possible ban on mercury in fillings

brussels - Dentists in the European Union would be from the end of 2022 no mercury may use more fillings. The Environment Committee of the European Parliament voted Thursday for stricter European legislation on this. The toxic metal is harmful to the environment and human health.

MEP Bas Eickhout (GroenLinks) reacts satisfied. Of the approximately 75 tonnes of mercury used each year in the EU is, according to him almost a quarter to dentistry. In the Netherlands, moreover mercury dentists but use sparingly.

EU Member States will try to look into the matter. Eickhout keep in mind that some countries are going to cross. ' We need to put the health of their citizens. ''

Mercury mines in Europe were closed early this century. The European Union decided in 2007 to ban mercury in new barometers. In 2011 followed an export ban.