April 2008 | Modern Hygienist
Career: Web Exclusive

Managing amalgam

Simple steps you can take to ensure mercury is disposed of properly.

by Eileen White

A recyclable waste that has been in the news lately is amalgam. Amalgam is partially composed of mercury, and concern about the effects of mercury in the environment has increased within the last several years. Mercury is bioaccumulative and can build up in fish and cause health problems in humans and other animals that eat fish. The disposal of amalgam waste has become an increased cause for concern for dental practices, and best management practices for amalgam waste were highlighted by the ADA in a report published last fall.

Established in 2001, the Pollution Prevention Institute at Kansas State University is one of several state-governed agencies throughout the country that has established a curriculum regarding the proper disposal of dental waste for the state’s dental schools.

Nancy Larson, director of the institute, says that although participation in the amalgam disposal program currently is voluntary, she sees the program popularity becoming more widespread, particularly in view of the ADA’s report. We interviewed Larson to get her thoughts on amalgam recycling, and how hygienists can step in and make a difference.

Modern Hygienist: Why can’t amalgam from old fillings simply be disposed of in the infectious waste “red bag”?

Nancy Larson: Red bag waste is typically incinerated, and these medical waste incinerators are not designed to capture mercury emissions. Incinerating mercury amalgam fillings allows the mercury vapors or emissions to re-enter the atmosphere, thereby potentially contaminating our soils and/or waterways.

MH: How should a dental office properly recycle used mercury or amalgam? What would the recycled material be used for?

NL: Dental offices should collect scrap and waste amalgam for recycling, and should work with an approved vendor that will send the material for recycling. Recycled mercury should be put back into commerce. The recycling option is environmentally preferable to sending the waste back down the drain, or other disposal methods where it could re-enter the environment, causing contamination.

MH: What would be the hygienist’s role in an amalgam separation program for a dental practice? How much time and effort for the hygienist would establishing such a program take?

NL: Dental hygienists or assistants likely would be responsible for monitoring how full the amalgam collection traps are. They may have the responsibility for changing the traps or simply calling the vendor.

MH: What would be the average cost of such a program?

NL: The cost would vary, per vendor.