Heroine Women Foundation (HEWOF) has called for the eradication of dental amalgam use in children.
According to HEWOF, amalgam is a dental filling material that is 50% mercury, a neurotoxin and pollutant.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Director of Heroine Women Foundation, Onyinye Mamah as the group marks an historic milestone in the effort to protect children from amalgam’s mercury: the one-year anniversary of winning the Children’s Amendment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
On 25 March 2022, more than 100 governments – including Nigeria, decided unanimously to call for the end of amalgam use in children and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Exclude or not allow, by taking measures as appropriate, or recommend against the use of dental amalgam for the dental treatment of deciduous teeth [baby teeth], of patients under 15 years and of pregnant and breastfeeding women.
“Entering into legal force on 28 September 2023, the Children’s Amendment is already helping us to protect children from exposure to toxic dental mercury, prevent amalgam’s mercury from polluting our environment, and improve oral health by preserving tooth structure that must be removed to insert amalgam fillings.
“To help implement the Children’s Amendment, Heroine Women Foundation and World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry partners on the ground in countries across the globe have been, preparing toolkits of information and resources to assist countries; contacting and meeting with government officials; and working to end amalgam use in children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women.
Government should come in to make sure this mecury amalgam in children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is rectified to save our children. Kudos to HEROIN WOMEN FOUNDATION for the good works they are doing both for children and women.