Waste Stream
|
Health/Environmental Concerns
|
Pollution Prevention Alternatives |
| mercury from amalgam fillings |
release of mercury vapors (a significant health hazard) if incinerated,
contamination of water and/or sludge from wastewater treatment plant
|
- recycle waste amalgam particles
- use composite (mercury-free) fillings
|
| silver from x-ray film and fixer |
silver contamination of water and/or sludge from wastewater treatment plant |
- recover silver from film and fixer |
| chromium in x-ray system cleaners |
contamination of water and/or sludge from wastewater treatment plant |
- use a non-chromium cleaner |
| lead shields, bitewings, and foils from x-rays |
solid waste |
- recycle or send to a dental charity for reuse. |
