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, if he will require dentists to advise patients of the potential toxicity of dental amalgam.

Answer: Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require dentists to advise patients of the potential toxicity of dental amalgam. [48833] Ms Blears: The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) reviewed the safety of dental amalgam fillings in 1997 and concluded that their use was free from systemic toxicity and did not pose a risk. As a precautionary measure, COT advised dentists that it may be prudent to avoid, where clinically reasonable, the placement or removal of amalgam fillings during pregnancy. This guidance to dentists remains current.

Secondary information