Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics raises the concern over the continuous online selling of mercury dental amalgam (in capsule) which is prohibited in the country.
In the recent market monitoring conducted, the group has documented more than 60 sellers in both Lazada and Shopee platforms which make the prohibited product available in the online market.
Noting the description stated by the sellers of mercury dental amalgam capsule, “It will not cause mercury leakage, which makes clinical use more convenient and safe.”
Dental amalgam, commonly known as silver fillings, is used to repair decayed or broken teeth. It often contains silver, tin, small amounts of copper and zinc, and mercury. Mercury is cited by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten chemicals of major concern due to its adverse impacts to human health and the environment. The chemical is known to negatively impact our nervous, digestive, and immune systems.
“BAN Toxics calls the attention of the regulators to strictly implement the ban on the sale and use of mercury in dental restorative procedures. Furthermore, we urged online shopping platforms to stop the sale and comply with the regulation on mercury dental amalgam products,” the group said.
The Department of Health (DOH) issued Administrative Order No. 2020-0020, otherwise known as “Guidelines on the Phase-out of Mercury Use in Dental Restorative Procedures in 2020. The AO covers the phasing-out on the importation, distribution, manufacture, storage, transport, handling, use (including dental schools and research) and disposal of dental amalgams in the Philippines.