The “Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Amalgam Waste” are
a series of amalgam waste handling and disposal practices that include
but are not limited to initiating bulk mercury collection programs,
using chair side traps, amalgam separators compliant with ISO 11143 and vacuum collection, inspecting and cleaning
traps, and recycling or using a commercial waste disposal service to
dispose of the amalgam collected.
These BMPs were approved by the ADA Board of Trustees in January
2003 and updated in 2007 to include amalgam separators. They are an integral part of the Association’s overall response
to the waste issue. Dentists are encouraged to use BMPs to help reduce
the effects of amalgam waste on the environment.
If you have any questions regarding the ADA’s BMPs, please contact
the ADA Division of Science via
e-mail or by calling 312-440-2878.
ADA members may use the Association’s
toll-free number and ask for x2878.
- ADA "Best Management Practices for Amalgam Waste" | PDF
file/113k
- ADA Best Management Practices for Amalgam Waste 10-minute
Training Video
for the Dental Office Staff (For ease of downloading, the
video has been broken up into four parts. Please be patient as the
files are large and can take
time to download).
BMP Video 1: Background & Introduction I Broadband/ Dial
Up
BMP Video 2: Handling Amalgam Waste, Choosing a Recycler I Broadband/
Dial Up
BMP Video 3: Types of Amalgam Waste I Broadband/ Dial
Up
BMP Video 4: Separators, Line Cleaners & Capsules
I Broadband/ Dial Up
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 Amalgam in Plumbing
Dental amalgam is considered a safe, affordable and durable filling
material. It contains a mixture of metals such as silver, copper
and tin, in addition to mercury, which chemically binds these components
into a hard, stable and safe substance. Dental amalgam has been studied
and reviewed extensively, and has established a record of safety
and effectiveness. Less than one percent of the mercury released
into the environment comes from amalgam, and even this amount is
in the form of amalgam and not methylmercury, the form of particular
environmental concern. Nevertheless, because dentists are good stewards
of the environment, it is prudent to limit the release of any dental
amalgam waste to the environment, when feasible. When there is a
need for plumbing work or other activities that might disturb amalgam
waste adhering to the inside of pipes, some simple steps can be
followed to address any potential health or environmental issues.
- ADA Guidelines on Amalgam Accumulations in
Dental Office Plumbing
| PDF
file/45k
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