Global NGOs Urge EU to Phase Out Amalgam

Today, ZMWG, EEB, HEAL and HCWHE sent a  letter sent to all EU Environment Ministers and Commissioners and Director Generals for Environment and Health, asking for support for phase-outs of mercury use in dentistry in the EU and globally.   This was in response to the EU in 2011 conducting a full life-cycle assessment  of  mercury use in dentistry- mainly looking at the environmental effects caused. The study is expected to be completed by spring 2012.     The EEB had sent its initial input on the study in September 2011.

Promoting ‘bounty’ collections for mercury-added products

State and national groups, including MPP,  are pushing states to enact strong’ bounty’ programs to increase collection of mercury products such as thermostats.  In Maine, we recently  wrote to block the push by DEP to eliminate a landmark producer responsibility laws for mercury, as it  appears that industry has had undue influence without allowing other stakeholders to participate in the review progress.  In California,  we recently  wrote the environmental agency,  urging them to provides for the maximum feasible number of mercury thermostats collected, consistent with the Legislature’s intent.