Dental amalgam is a common material used for filling cavities and restoring missing or broken teeth. However, amalgam also contains mercury which can cause harm to the environment if released through dental office wastewater. This is why it is important for all dental offices to use an amalgam separator.
What is an Amalgam Separator?
An amalgam separator is a device that is installed in a dental office's vacuum system to capture and retain amalgam filling material and solid mercury waste before it goes down the drain. Separators use various filtration technologies such as screens, centrifugal forces or filtration media to remove amalgam particles from the dental office wastewater.
There are different types of Dental Amalgam Separators available including vacuum filters, filtration units and single-use traps. Vacuum filters continuously remove amalgam from mixed dental wastewater and collect them for proper disposal. Filtration units have tanks that collect wastewater and use filters to remove amalgam waste. Single-use traps are disposable containers placed in vacuum lines that capture amalgam before it reaches the sewer.
Importance of Mercury Control
Mercury is a hazardous material that can harm the environment as well as human health even in small amounts. According to the EPA, dental offices are the largest source of mercury discharge going into publicly owned treatment works. When released in water bodies, mercury can accumulate in sediments and magnify up the food chain. It can damage the kidneys and the nervous, digestive and immune systems of fish and wildlife populations.
Mercury poses special risks to children and fetuses as it easily passes through the placenta and spreads throughout the body. Exposure has been linked to impaired neurological and behavioral development in infants and children. Amalgam separators help protect the community by reducing the amount of mercury released through dental office wastewater. Offices that do not separate amalgam waste contribute greatly to overall mercury pollution in the environment.
Compliance with Regulations
Many states and municipalities now have laws that require dental practices to install, maintain and monitor amalgam separators. For example, the EPA established the Dental Office Category Rule under the Clean Water Act in 2017 which requires all dental dischargers that place or remove amalgam to install amalgam separators.
Dental offices that do not comply are at risk of penalties, fines and enforcement actions. Proper record keeping also needs to be maintained to show proof of amalgam separator installation and documentation of solids collection and proper management. Regular maintenance and replacement of separators as per manufacturers guidelines also needs to be followed to remain compliant with regulations.
Cost Benefits of Amalgam Separators
While there is an initial investment and cost involved in purchasing, installing and maintaining an amalgam separator, it proves beneficial in the long run:
- Reduced Cost of Mercury Disposal: Separators reduce the amount of amalgam waste that needs proper disposal, lowering associated handling and compliance costs.
- Avoid Fines and Penalties: Non-compliance with regulations can result in significant fines and penalties. Separators help remain compliant to avoid these additional costs.
- Protect Sewer Infrastructure: Separators reduce the risk of clogs and damage to sewer systems from excessive amalgam that may require expensive repairs if not removed.
- Improved Worker Safety: Amalgam separators provide a safer work environment by limiting employee exposure to mercury vapors during waste collection, storage and transport.
With estimated payback periods ranging between 1-3 years for most dental practices, the upfront separator investment is easily offset by long term savings and avoidance of othercosts. It proves a smart choice both environmentally and financially.
Choosing the Right Separator
When purchasing an amalgam separator, dentists should choose a model that is approved by the ADA and compliant with federal, state and local regulations for mercury discharge. Some factors to consider include:
- Vacuum suction capacity based on office size and number of chairs
- Easy maintenance and replacement of collection container
- ISO 11143 compliance certification
- Manufacturer warranty and customer support
- Cost of replacement filters or canisters
- Durability and longevity of the unit
Consulting the separator manufacturer directly can help identify the most suitable unit based on an office's specific needs. Proper installation by a licensed professional also ensures optimal performance.
Get more insights on Dental Amalgam Separator
Many patients have heard the term mercury toxicity associated with fillings but still have many questions about it. Fillings are made of a substance called dental amalgam. This is a mixture of metals, consisting primarily of mercury. Call us: 908-464-9144
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