EU bans mercury fillings and lamps to combat pollution
From 1 January 2025, it will be prohibited to use and export mercury-containing fillings in the vast majority of European Union countries. By 2027, EU countries will also cease producing, importing, and exporting certain types of mercury lamps. The new EU regulation on mercury, which came into force on Tuesday, replaces previous regulations.
Mercury has been commonly used for years, especially in dental amalgams. However, the new EU regulation bans the use of mercury in fillings and its export.
Changes in mercury regulations
Most EU member states will implement this ban starting next year. Countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which need more time to adapt their healthcare systems where mercury fillings are reimbursed, have been granted an exception until 30 June 2026. Future dental filling materials will not contain mercury unless required for medical reasons.
By 2027, EU countries will also phase out the production, import, and export of certain types of mercury lamps. Depending on the category, the production ban will come into effect in 2026 or 2027. These lamps will be replaced with more environmentally friendly options, such as LEDs, which are less toxic and more energy-efficient.
Mercury as a serious threat
The new regulations aim to eliminate the intentional use of mercury in the EU and reduce its presence in the environment as part of the EU's "zero pollution" ambition.
Mercury poses a serious environmental threat as it spreads quickly, accumulates, and has a long lifespan. It also has a harmful effect on human health, including crossing from the mother's body to the child through the placenta and during breastfeeding.
Products containing mercury, such as dental amalgams and mercury lamps, are the main sources of this substance's use in the EU. However, the previous EU regulation from 2017 did not fully address this issue. Now, there are available and cost-effective alternatives that do not contain mercury.
By the end of next year, the European Commission will also present guidelines for technologies to reduce mercury emissions from crematoria.
