I was reading a recently published report entitled “Economic Impact of Regulating the Use of Amalgam Restorations”. The study looked at the effects a ban on the use of dental amalgam (mercury/metal fillings) would have on our society.
Dental caries (decay) is still a widely prevalent oral disease in all ages of the population. Amalgam has been used for more than 150 years for filling back teeth and is composed of a mixture of silver, other metals, and mercury (50% by weight). As of now, the other options for filling teeth include composite resin, porcelain materials, and gold.
One of the concerns with the use of dental amalgam is that increased mercury levels… (Read More)
August 30, 2011
August 16, 2011
Last week I started talking about how these new “squiggly” light bulbs we are all being forced to use by 2014 contain mercury. Because they contain mercury, they come with their own set of disposal instructions. Although I have not used dental amalgam as a restorative material for over 10 years, I can assure you there are no warnings on the packaging for this product before sticking it in your teeth…….and it is 50% mercury.
I had to replace a thermostat at home last weekend. The message below was strategically placed on a piece of paper to make sure it was not missed:
“Mercury Warning and Recycling Notice: Mercury is considered to be a hazardous… (Read More)
August 11, 2011
I know what you’re thinking; politicians and light bulbs? That’s an oxymoron. I thought the same thing when I heard this one. It’s back in the news because the date the incandescent light bulb goes out is rapidly approaching.
Congress passed an energy bill which controls the type of light bulbs all Americans must use by the year 2014. It bans the use of the incandescent light bulb and requires the use of those squiggly fluorescent bulbs. I know what you’re thinking again; that’s not so bad….they’re energy saving and that’s good, right?
In addressing the House of Representatives, Rep. Ted Poe of Texas noted that there was nothing in the Constitution that… (Read More)