Emissions control costs are generally lower than amalgam phase-out costs

As an input to the international negotiations on a ban on mercury Vista Analysis has for the Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency (Klif) reviewed the experiences from the phase-out of the use of dental amalgam as tooth filling material in Norway. Norway introduced a general ban on the use of mercury in products from 2008. The study shows that the experiences with the alternatives to amalgam are generally positive. The costs connected to emissions control (amalgam separators required in dental clinics from 1994 and control of mercury air emissions from crematoria imposed from 2007) are generally lower than amalgam phase-out costs. The latter are related to increased time spent at dental clinics when using the alternative materials, and to more frequent change of fillings. However, since the overall, long term goal is to eliminate the use and release of mercury to the environment, the use of mercury has to be addressed. Download