Mercury from dental fillings has been targeted for cleanup under a public health initiative launched this week in Missoula.

The pilot program, called WATER, or Waste Amalgam Treatment, Education and Recycling, is to be expanded statewide next year.

"The dental community feels the WATER program is important in helping all dentists become better environmental stewards," said Dr. Ryan Huckeby, president of the Missoula Second District Dental Society. * More than 1,600 tons of mercury are released nationwide into the soil, air and water each year by mining, coal burning, manufacturing and other sources, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

That includes 7.4 tons from dental offices, which are the largest source of mercury emissions into waterways.

Studies show that exposure to high levels of mercury can cause a range of health problems, including brain, heart and kidney damage.

Missoula's WATER program is modeled after the American Dental Association's best management practices, which encourage dentists to recycle the mercury amalgam that goes into "silver" fillings.

The WATER program, which is supported by a coalition of health and environment groups, will provide education, support and incentives to dental practices in the Missoula area.

"It's an important public health issue," said Jamie Silberberger, a spokeswoman for Women's Voices for the Earth, a Missoula nonprofit group. "We're not suggesting anything radical, just that dentists follow the ADA's best management practices."

The coalition's other members are the Missoula Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Missoula City-County Health Department, the Montana Dental Association and Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Full Story: http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/03/20/news/top/news01.txt