Mercury

Question 1

Mercury is a liquid metal that is mixed with various metal powders to form dental amalgam

Answer 1

It is classed as a hazardous substance, because it is toxic, and it can enter the body in the following ways:

1. Inhalation- toxic vapours are released from uncovered sources at room, temperature and above, and are particularly hazardous because they are colourless and odourless and are difficult to detect
2. Absorption- particles can be absorbed through the skin, nailbeds and eye membranes and eventually become lodged in the kidneys
3. Ingestion- particles can contaminate food and drinks and can be taken into the digestive system and eventually lodge into the kidneys

Question 2

Dental amalgam has been the material most commonly used to fill posterior teeth

Answer 2

Mercury is present in significant amounts in the majority of dental workplaces however, the world health organisation agreed at the MINIMATA TREATY IN 2017 to reduce the amount of mercury in the environment

Question 3

In July 2018, the use of amalgam as a dental restorative was banned in deciduous teeth, in permanent teeth of children under 15, and in pregnant and nursing mothers Unless deemed necessary due to the specific medical needs of the patient

Question 4

Mercury spillage

Answer 4

No matter how small must be reported to the senior dentist and recorded in the workplace accident book this will provide a written record of any accident or incident that has occurred on the premises. This includes details of the date and location who was affected the names of any witnesses, details of the accident and actions taken to assist those affected

Question 5

If a small spillage occurs

Answer 5

Where suitable PPE
Suck up small globals into dedicated bulb aspirator or disposable plastic syringe
Put the particles into the waste amalgam special waste container

Question 6

If a large spillage occurs

Answer 6

Wear PPE
Open windows to ventilate the area
Inform senior staff
Use the contents of the mercury spillage kits to control the spread of the spillage
Mix the powders of flowers of sulphur and calcium hydroxide with water to make a paste and paint this around the spillage to contain it
The remaining paste can be painted over the spillage
Once dry, the contaminated paste and spillage wiped up thoroughly with damp paper towels and disposed of in the waste of Malcolm store
If mercury has rolled into in accessible areas, the work area must be sealed off and closed down. The HSE must be informed of the spillage and the local environmental health team will attend to clear away the contamination professionally and safely.