Proposed policy to comply with Minamata-convention level control of mercury toxicity

Objectives: 1. To develop proper waste disposal systems for better environment

2. To suggest a policy at national level to preserve environment of Pakistan and prevent health hazards

3. To develop a research strategy in order to suggest Pakistanis at institutional level to adopt Minamata convention

4. To compile best management practices for dental clinics
Methods: 1. An electronic systematic search was done with PubMed database. 419 research articles were selected. The major search terms used were (("dental amalgam"[MeSH Terms] OR ("dental"[All Fields] AND "amalgam"[All Fields]) OR "dental amalgam"[All Fields]) AND ("toxicity"[Subheading] OR "toxicity"[All Fields])) AND ("1960/01/01"[PDAT] : "2014/12/31"[PDAT]).

2. On the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria the search was narrowed down and only a few articles were selected
a) mercury exposure and effects on health of patients (94 articles)
b) WHO and dental amalgam (23)
c) Environmental hazards of dental amalgam (22)
d) Minamata convention (21)
e) Pakistan Mercury Amalgam (3)
These were further narrowed down and a descriptive analysis was done.

3. On the basis of different studies the situation of amalgam toxicity in Pakistan was evaluated and analysed.
Results: 1. Established cities of Pakistan showed alarming figures of mercury toxicity to dental team and environment, and negligence of following best management practices.

2. Lack of data regarding exact level of mercury in air, environment and blood of dental team members in Pakistan was recorded.

3. A strategy to reduce the toxicity caused by dental amalgam was proposed.

4. A proposal for dental team to adopt Minamata convention level measures was proposed.
Conclusions: According to WHO, occupational exposures have been reported to arise from work in dental clinics with poor mercury handling practices. It is time to think about dental practitioners of Pakistan and Environment in which we live, in order to keep it safe from mercury toxicity.