Resolution 070131

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