Calling on the Department of Health to study and consider local municipality legislation to minimize health effects from the use of mercury.

WHEREAS, Mercury is a potent metabolic poison that can harm any living cell process; and

WHEREAS, Mercury absorbed from dental amalgam fillings also influence heart function and also targets organs after exposure to mercury; and

WHEREAS, Studies have revealed that subjects with amalgam fillings experience significant mercury exposure to the tissues of the cardiovascular system and have markedly higher blood pressure, lower heart rate, and lower percentages of red-blood cells; and

WHEREAS, It is has be proven that mercury poisoning from inhaled mercury vapor from dental amalgam filling affects the cardiovascular system; and

WHEREAS, High levels of mercury were found in the pituitary glands of dental personnel during autopsy studies; and

WHEREAS, The four states of California, Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire have created fact sheets advising that amalgam in mercury, which is a reproductive toxin that can cause birth defects; and

WHEREAS, New Hampshire fact sheet provides warnings that acknowledge health and environmental concerns surrounding mercury amalgam; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is considering adopting healthcare plans and is vital that toxins released from mercury amalgam fillings are examined to prevent incidences; and

WHEREAS, City Council currently has an ordinance 040904 in the Committee on Licenses & Inspections, that would further reduce mercury contact creating a safe environment as a public health measure for citizens; and

WHEREAS, Correspondence to the Department of Health to consider bill 040904 and have a study prepared by the Advisory Commission have been unsuccessful; and

WHEREAS, The Health Department should consider looking into the mercury issue and providing Philadelphia City Council with a study offering recommendations for healthcare and dental professionals; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Call on the Department of Health to consider local municipality legislation to minimize health effects from the use of mercury.

End