BDS, ESDO demand ban on mercury in dental treatment

The government must formulate a policy to prohibit mercury use in dental treatment and import of all mercury-added products in Bangladesh, dentists have demanded.

The call came from a press conference, organised by Bangladesh Dental Society (BDS), and Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday.

Speaking at the programme, dentists said they will not use mercury in dental amalgam filling after June 2018 to protect human health as well as the environment.

BDS Secretary General Dr Humayun Kabir Bulbul said dental amalgam releases mercury; so if an expectant or a nursing mother has a silver filling, she can be exposed to a high level of mercury which can cause serious problems for her and her baby.

Dr Md Abul Kashem, president of BDS; Syed Marghub Murshed, chairperson of ESDO, and Dr Shahriar Hossain, executive vice president of World Alliance, also spoke.