Safety first approach needed with mercury fillings

New Zealand needs to take a safety first approach to the potentially dangerous use of mercury in fillings, said Sue Kedgley, Green Party Health Spokesperson said today.

“At the very least New Zealand should be following the lead of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany and recommending that mercury amalgam not be used for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with kidney disease,” said Ms Kedgley.

“New Zealander’s have a right to know about the risks of using mercury fillings so they can make an informed choice. Dentists should be required to provide patients with a summary of the potential risks before they undergo treatment.”

The Health select committee today released a report that found against a petition by Julia Pratt calling for mercury amalgam fillings to be banned. The Green Party has submitted a minority report calling for a far more precautionary approach to be taken.

Sweden, Norway and Denmark have banned the use of mercury amalgam fillings because of health and environmental concerns.

“Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal and potent cell toxin, and there is no safe level of exposure to it. There are safe, cost effective alternatives to mercury fillings and the Government should promote their use,” Ms Kedgley said.

“The Select Committee was presented with compelling evidence that mercury vapour from amalgam fillings can leach into organs like the kidneys, thyroid and even the brain, and accumulate in those organs over time, causing neurological, renal and other health effects.”

The Green Party is calling for an independent panel of experts to assess the latest evidence on the safety of mercury fillings, and report to Government on its findings.

“It’s time to question why the government considers mercury safe when it is used as a filling in teeth, yet an environmental hazard when it is used anywhere else.” Ms Kedgley said.