For the first time ever, a U.S. state has warned against the use of amalgam! On 25 August 2025, Florida’s Department of Health issued guidance warning against amalgam:
 
“State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo recommends against the use of dental amalgam for routine fillings due to the risk of mercury exposure…  Amalgam releases low levels of mercury in the form of a vapor, which can be inhaled and absorbed by the lungs and other organs, and has been found to cause DNA damage in human blood cells and potential impairment with renal function.”

The World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry salutes the federal government of Brazil both for accelerating its pace toward ending the use of dental amalgam, and for international leadership to amend the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

“We appreciate the important officials of the Health Ministry who took time to meet with us on 21 July to discuss the transition on Brazil to mercury-free dentistry, both for SUS* and in new government policies,” said Charlie Brown, president of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry.  Officials participated from four sections of the ministry:  environmental health, oral health, occupational health, and international.

Itamaraty** has been at the forefront of having an effective international treaty addressing mercury-free dentistry,” Brown added.  “Both during the negotiations of the basic treaty in 2012, and in the adoption of the Children’s Amendment in 2022, the government of Brazil stepped forward to play an essential and constructive role.”