Rowe N H, Sidhu K S, Chadzynski L, Babcock R F
School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
J Mich Dent Assoc. 1996 Feb;78(2):32-6.
Mercury is a toxic and bioaccumulative metal. It exists in elemental, inorganic and organic forms. The use of mercury by the dental profession represents approximately 6 percent of the total annual domestic consumption and is estimated to contribute significantly to the discharge of mercury (14 percent in one study) to waste-water streams. Publicly owned treatment works (POTW) must obtain and comply with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System waste-water discharge permit. When minimal mercury discharge limits into surface waters are exceeded, an upstream search for contributors of mercury to the waste stream may result. Given the present sociopolitical environment, mercury discharge from dental offices will increasingly receive scrutiny. Strategies to minimize discharge of mercury/amalgam waste include engineering controls such as changes in the discharge process, changes in the composition of commercial products, and changes in control equipment. Governmental strategies include an outright ban, the setting of discharge standards, and educational efforts. Study of these strategies with evaluation of effectiveness is needed.
汞是一种有毒且具有生物累积性的金属。它以元素态、无机态和有机态存在。牙科行业对汞的使用约占国内年总消费量的6%，据估计，这对汞排放到废水流中（一项研究中占14%）有显著贡献。公共污水处理厂（POTW）必须获得并遵守国家污染物排放消除系统废水排放许可证。当超过向地表水排放汞的最低限量时，可能会对废水流中汞的来源进行上游排查。鉴于当前的社会政治环境，牙科诊所的汞排放将越来越受到审查。尽量减少汞/汞合金废物排放的策略包括工程控制，如排放过程的改变、商业产品成分的改变以及控制设备的改变。政府策略包括彻底禁令、排放标准的设定以及教育努力。需要对这些策略进行有效性评估研究。
