The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has given its endorsement to a proposed amendment of EU Regulation 2017/852, aiming to strengthen restrictions on mercury use, particularly focusing on dental amalgam and mercury-added products. This regulatory proposal is set to impose a comprehensive ban on dental amalgam, effective from 1 January 2025, alongside tightening controls on the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-containing products.
In an effort to align with the Minamata Convention's objectives and the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the proposed amendment seeks to significantly reduce the environmental and health impacts of mercury. The EESC's support highlights the proposal's dual focus: protecting public health and advancing environmental conservation efforts. The committee particularly applauds the initiative to phase out dental amalgam, a move justified by the availability of safer, mercury-free alternatives for dental fillings. This step is seen as crucial in eliminating the risks associated with mercury exposure and in preventing mercury pollution.
The amendment goes beyond dental applications, proposing stricter regulations on the production and export of specific mercury-added products, such as certain lamps, to further mitigate the environmental footprint of mercury. This demonstrates the EU's proactive stance in reducing global mercury pollution and safeguarding ecosystems from its adverse effects.
Acknowledging the challenges of transitioning away from mercury, the EESC calls for further research into mercury-free alternatives, especially for uses currently exempt from bans, like certain military and civil protection applications. The committee underlines the importance of financial strategies to support healthcare systems and providers in the shift towards safer materials, ensuring the competitiveness of EU businesses and the rigorous quality control of dental materials.
The EESC's backing of the proposed regulation marks a significant step towards a mercury-free future, reinforcing the EU's leadership in environmental protection and public health. This endorsement underscores the need for continued innovation and equitable access to safe alternatives, as the EU works towards implementing these crucial regulatory updates.
