The mercury can be traced back to discarded filling material. In response, the EPA has released a proposal to reduce the amount of mercury entering the water supply from dentists’ office. The agency recommends that dental offices purchase a device, an amalgam separator, that removes microscopic mercury particles from water before it enters the drainage system, according to the report.
In lieu of purchasing the device, dental offices can follow the American Dental Association guidelines to limiting mercury and heavy metal waste.
The EPA estimates that adherence to the new rule could reduce the amount of heavy metal found in water treatment plants across the United States by 8.8 tons, according to the report.
The proposed rule is not expected to be finalized until next September.
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