Dr. Marc Herman – The Dr. Marc Herman – The Danger of Mercury in Dental Danger of Mercury in Dental

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• A graduate of the University of Maryland College of Dental Surgery, Dr. Marc Herman practices at Advanced Dentistry of Long Island in Woodbury, New York. Among Dr. Marc Herman's medical interests is raising awareness about the danger of mercury used in dental materials.

• A part of many forms of dental amalgams (also known as silver fillings), mercury has served as a standard tool for dentists since the 19th century. However, it has become the subject of controversy due to health and ecological concerns. After fillings are implanted, they regularly produce neurotoxic mercury vapors that accumulate in the body over time and affect fetuses as well as adults. Additionally, any use of elemental mercury can pollute air, water, or land. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly 4 tons of mercury enter municipal wastewater treatment plants due to dental amalgams; this amounts to about half of all mercury in the water supply.

• Over the past several years, many organizations have argued on behalf of mercury-free dentistry. Over 140 nations called for the United Nations to support a campaign to reduce the use of dental mercury. A dozen states in the United States have introduced mandatory programs to reduce or remove mercury from dental amalgams. Furthermore, television's Dr. Oz ran a show discussing the importance of stopping the use of mercury in dentistry.