Remove mercury fillings before cremation to protect the planet (From The Argus)

Remove mercury fillings before cremation to protect the planet

9:17am Monday 13th February 2012 in Your Argus

The Argus draws attention to the new laws regulating the emissions of mercury from crematoria, which pollute the environment (February 6).

While the human body can absorb and retain mercury in various ways – consumption of food and inhaling particles in the atmosphere produced by natural geological processes are two examples – these are difficult to control at source.

One source we could readily act on however at minimal cost is the use of mercury amalgam in dental fillings.

This may be lessening due to the use of newer materials, but a large number of people must still have the old “silver” fillings.

Whether we are eventually cremated or buried, this mercury comes into contact with the environment.

We already take some action to remove dangerous materials from the human body after death – heart pacemakers are one common example – so why can’t we routinely check and remove any teeth which have been filled or at least the fillings themselves?

There will be some understandable resistance to invasive work on our loved one’s remains, but there are precedents.

Whatever our personal feelings are, surely this is a small price to pay to protect future generations?

Russell Ridout, Howlett Drive, Hailsham