Written question asked by Ian Lucas (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 April 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 April 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what precautions his Department recommends in order to protect dentists and their employees from exposure to mercury during the placement or removal of dental amalgam fillings.

Answer: Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what precautions his Department recommends in order to protect dentists and their employees from exposure to mercury during the placement or removal of dental amalgam fillings. [48834] Ms Blears: Dentists are required to work within health and safety legislation and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations regarding all aspects of their practice, including the handling of mercury and dental amalgam. The British Dental Association also issues guidance on this topic.

Secondary information