Join the SF Bay Area Mercury Activist Network

Bay Area Pro-Health, Anti-Mercury Activists Network

Background:  New science shows harm from amalgam

The American Dental Association claims that mercury dental amalgam is safe for unrestricted use.  But these claims are based on outdated science that showed no obvious, acute harm.  New, high-quality studies, (including a randomized, controlled, clinical trial on children) show harm from amalgam -- both as subtle effects like attention deficit after only a few years, and as stronger effects on genetically susceptible individuals.  This peer-reviewed article presents the current science on mercury dental amalgam.

Mercury dental amalgam has been banned in Norway and Sweden.  Other countries are considering a ban.  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is being sued for its failure to restrict mercury dental amalgam, but this process will take many years. 

Activism in Berkeley

In 2013, the Berkeley City Council, under pressure from the California Dental Association, ignored the advice of two of its commissions and declined to pass an ordinance that addressed the lack of information that dental patients receive about the risks of mercury dental amalgam.  This policy brief was presented to the city council. 

Political Science 101

The powerful dental industry (American Dental Association / California Dental Association) has staked its reputation on the safety of mercury dental amalgam.  The industry opposes any restriction of amalgam by government, including information campaigns by local communities.  An elected official with a different view can expect the dental industry to fund an opposition candidate.