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Dentistry and society have long recognized the benefits of using silver-based amalgams to restore and maintain the dental health of patients. However, recent studies by health and environment experts have shown that mercury is of great concern when it enters the biosphere as a contaminant. A rational approach to pollution prevention is mandatory. This article explains the relationship between m...

The mercury (Hg) content of dental-operatory wastewater has become an issue in many localities, and Hg removal is rapidly becoming a matter of concern for all dental clinics. This preliminary study tested the efficacy of polymers for the removal of Hg contaminants from the dental-unit wastewater stream. Two commercially available polymers were used to treat dental-operatory wastewater. Used sep...

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Various types of harmful wastes, which may or may not be contaminated with body fluids, result from health care services. When dental clinics are improperly managed, various environmentally hazardous wastes emerge. This study aims to determine and compare the knowledge levels of academic and dental health personnels and dentistry students an...

Eco-friendly dentistry is currently transforming the medical and dental field to decrease its affect on our natural environment and reduce the amount of waste being produced. Eco-friendly dentistry uses a sustainable approach to encourage dentists to implement new strategies to try and reduce the energy being consumed and the large amount of waste being produced by the industry. Many reasonable...

BACKGROUND Healthcare professionals (HCPs) produce various types of waste in the course of rendering healthcare services. Each classification of waste must be disposed of according to the prescribed guidelines. Incorrect disposal of waste may pose a danger to employees, patients and the environment. HCPs must have adequate knowledge of the disposal of medical waste. OBJECTIVES To determine th...

I ssues pertaining to the disposal of surgical waste are seldom discussed in the dermatologic surgery literature. Management of surgical waste as pertaining to the surgeon includes proper disposal of sharps in appropriate containers as well as proper handling and disposal of infectious nonsharp materials. Attention should be paid to two particular issues. First and foremost is to minimize the r...

BACKGROUND Dental practices use disinfectants or line cleaners to flush dental unit wastewater lines to minimize odor generation, remove solid waste particles and remove biofilms in dental unit water lines (DUWLs). METHODS The authors evaluated 47 disinfectants or line cleaners for their potential to release mercury from amalgam waste. They prepared each product concentration according to the...

The aim of this study is to present data concerning hazardous waste management in the health area, with emphasis to the utilization of mercury in dentistry. The study was based on a bibliographic review regarding the use of mercury in dental fillings and its potential toxicological risks for patients and due to occupational exposure. The studies also take into consideration national and interna...