Environmental pollution is responsible for 35 % of human diseases in Sub Saharan Africa compared to 25% worldwide (NEP/WHO health and environment interactions).
Africa has poor infrastructure for managing wastes generally and mercury wastes in particular.
Nordic countries experienced some initial resistance from the dental industry and this was largely because they were:
1. Unaware of the environmental impacts of mercury from amalgam, and the social benefits of reducing mercury emissions.
2. Reluctant to invest in new equipment required to reduce mercury pollution or to support mercury-free fillings.
The African region has put her weight behind a proposal that seek an amendment to Annex A to the Minamata Convention on Mercury by moving dental amalgam from Part ll to Part l of Annex A.
I. Amalgam (50% mercury) is an environmental disaster, a health risk, and a workplace danger.
II. Superior to amalgam, the alternatives are 21st-century dentistry for Africa
III. Across Africa & the world, big successes + enormous progress!