Dental Waste - Management and Statistics

Abstract

Waste management is a crucial issue in the contemporary world, playing a significant role in the fight against environmental problems. Inadequate waste management leads to the pollution of air, water, and soil with toxic and harmful substances and to the emission of greenhouse gases, thereby contributing to climate change, the reduction of biodiversity, and the destruction of ecosystems, as well as to the emergence of diseases and allergies in animals. The management of waste is primarily determined by its type and source, with recycling, incineration, and landfilling being the most common methods. The healthcare sector, with limited opportunities for waste reduction, has its own unique approach to waste management. In particular, dental waste presents a considerable environmental risk due to the hazardous and toxic substances it contains. A prime example of such substances is mercury (Hg), a toxic and bioaccumulative metal that was commonly used in dental amalgam for over a century. With the available statistical data, it is possible to recognize that dentistry can pose a serious threat to the environment, and steps can be taken to control and reduce the production of toxic waste and its potential impact on the environment.