THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday reminded the public that dental amalgams have been banned since 2022 and thus should not be used.
In its Advisory No. 2024-0999, the FDA said the public must remember that dental amalgams have been banned due to the potential health hazards they can cause.
“Pursuant to the FDA Circular No. 2022-003, the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, sale, offer for sale, donation, transfer, and where applicable, the use, promotion, advertising, or sponsorship of mercury-added thermometers and sphygmomanometers, along with dental amalgam capsules and liquid mercury for use in dental restorative purposes, are banned,” said the FDA.
“The FDA warns all healthcare professionals and the general public not to purchase and use the banned medical device product,” it added.
It said dental amalgams and similar medical devices have been banned due to the high level of mercury in them.
“(This is to) protect human health from the adverse effects of mercury-added medical devices,” said the FDA.
Dental amalgam is an alloy of mercury used to fill teeth cavities.
Dental amalgams are made by mixing a combination of liquid mercury and particles of solid metals, such a silver, copper, or tin.
The agency said it is issuing the reminder as they have monitored the presence of dental amalgams being sold online.
“(This) banned medical device product is being advertised and offered for sale on e-commerce platforms,” said the FDA.
It called on all law enforcement agencies and local government units to ensure the said products are not sold or made available in their areas of jurisdiction.
The FDA also asked the Bureau of Customs to restrain the entry of the banned medical device product into the country.
