Dental amalgams are fillings that are comprised of a combination of several different metals, including mercury and silver. When these metals work together, they aren’t harmful to the human body. Left over amalgams need be disposed of properly though to ensure the environment is protected from any potential harmful metals. 

How Does Mercury Harm the Environment?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is not necessarily harmful under the right conditions. For example, trace amounts of mercury are found within organisms, including humans. Mercury is a necessary component of life and its surrounding environment. The problem arises when an excess of mercury is introduced.  Mercury in excess can destroy entire food chains. Without proper disposal of dental amalgams, we are introducing needless mercury into the environment. Pollution is already a dangerous issue within our environment, and adding to it via needless waste is more than a poor decision. Why not properly dispose of dental amalgam waste when the option exists?

How Does This Harm Humans?

High levels of mercury and silver introduced into the environment can also have drastic consequences involving humans. Mercury was only recently discovered to have adverse effects on humans--you may recall a time in your life when thermometers had mercury inside of them. However, we now know that mercury poisoning can cause drastic health issues involving the spine and nervous system. This is particularly true for children who are in the womb, or very young. Mothers drinking contaminated water can cause extreme future health problems for their child. One of the most easily preventable ways that excess mercury enters the environment is from the disposal of dental amalgams. Without proper containers, the mercury and silver that is a waste product of this filling material can destroy ecosystems and put humans at a high risk.

How Can You Prevent Mercury Poisoning?

The ADA encourages regular recycling and proper disposal of dental amalgam waste. Because these are hazardous materials, it is recommended that a professional Maryland waste disposal company takes care of the removal.  BWS is trained to gather and dispose of this dangerous and poisonous waste that can easily put the environment in jeopardy. The best way to do your part in keeping the environment safe, and keeping your family safe by extension, is to invest in proper amalgam waste disposal. BWS will do all that it takes to ensure that your amalgam waste is being disposed of properly and with care. In order to protect the environment, we must all work together; for this reason, contact BWS today with your inquiries about dental amalgam waste containers. BWS will do our best to help you get rid of any waste created, and we promise to do so in a timely fashion and to your satisfaction.

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