Dental amalgam – a filling material for cavities deceptively marketed as “silver” fillings – is about 50% mercury, a neurotoxin. As of 1 July 2018, the European Union has banned amalgam use in children under age 15, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. 

In stark contrast, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has done nothing to protect these most vulnerable populations...or anyone else.

In its amalgam rule, FDA concedes that this mercury product poses a risk for the unborn and young children: “The developing neurological systems in fetuses and young children may be more sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of mercury vapor.” 

FDA also admits that there is no scientific proof that amalgam is safe for these populations: “Very limited to no clinical information is available regarding long-term health outcomes in pregnant women and their developing fetuses, and children under the age of six, including infants who are breastfed.”

But while the European Union is making sure its children get modern mercury-free fillings, FDA’s amalgam rule continues to promote using this toxic mercury product in American children.

It's time for FDA to ban amalgam use in children under age 15, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.  All children deserve the same protection from mercury fillings as European children!