World Leaders Agree to Phase Out Mercury Dental Fillings by 2034 — Minamata Treaty Amended

Global agreement to end mercury tooth fillings by 2034

Delegates meeting in Geneva agreed on Friday to phase out the use of mercury-based dental amalgam in tooth fillings by 2034, adopting amendments to the Minamata Convention on Mercury that aim to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution.

The conference's closing statement said parties "agree to end the use of dental amalgam by 2034, marking a historic milestone in reducing mercury pollution." The World Health Organization lists mercury among the top 10 chemicals of public health concern and describes it as "toxic to human health." Dental amalgam, a filling material in use for more than 175 years, has already been restricted or banned in several countries.

What the treaty change means

The Minamata Convention, adopted in 2013 and in force since 2017, now includes amendments that establish a global phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034. More than 150 countries are party to the treaty. Organizers called the agreement "science-based" and "time-bound," saying it represents a decisive step toward eliminating mercury use in dentistry and improving public safety globally.

- Negotiations and differing views -

A bloc of African countries pressed for a tighter timeline, proposing a ban on production, import and export beginning in 2030. Some countries — including Iran, India and the UK — argued that a 2030 cutoff was premature. After negotiations, parties agreed on the compromise date of 2034. Monika Stankiewicz, the convention's executive secretary, said: "We have just opened the door to another chapter of the mercury history book" and called mercury pollution "a scourge."

"It's inexcusable that governments around the world still allow mercury-based compounds in healthcare -- and safe alternatives exist," said US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a video message as the talks opened.

- Wider measures adopted

Delegates adopted 21 decisions in total to strengthen protections against mercury pollution. These include stepped-up efforts to eliminate skin‑lightening cosmetics that contain mercury — by curbing illegal trade and strengthening enforcement — and measures targeting mercury use in small-scale gold mining. Parties also discussed the feasibility of mercury-free catalysts for producing vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), an ingredient in PVC plastics.

Officials noted sales of mercury-containing skin-lightening products have risen, particularly online; when applied, mercury suppresses melanin production and temporarily lightens skin, but it carries serious health risks and the effect is not permanent.

Conference president Osvaldo Alvarez Perez said: "We have set ambitious new goals, and left mercury a little further behind."

Implications: The 2034 date gives governments, dental professionals and industry time to transition to safe alternatives, strengthen supply chains for mercury-free materials, and develop policies to protect vulnerable populations and the environment.