Core Points - The Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury concluded in Geneva, Switzerland, with over 150 countries, including China, agreeing to gradually ban mercury-containing dental materials to reduce mercury pollution and protect public health [1] - Mercury-containing materials have been widely used in dental restoration due to their low cost and ease of shaping, but mercury can enter the human body through vapor, food chains, or water bodies [1] - The decision indicates that by 2034, mercury-containing dental materials will be completely phased out, despite the dental sector representing only a small portion of global mercury usage [1] - There was debate on the timeline for the complete phase-out of mercury dental materials, with African nations advocating for a 2030 deadline, but a consensus was reached to set the final deadline at 2034 [1] Additional Resolutions - In addition to dental materials, the conference adopted over 20 supplementary resolutions related to mercury management, including restrictions on the use of mercury in cosmetics and small-scale gold mining [2] - The common goal of these measures is to gradually eliminate the use and release of this toxic element globally [2]

Core Viewpoint - The conference on the Minamata Convention on Mercury concluded in Geneva, where over 150 countries, including China, agreed to phase out mercury-containing dental materials by 2034 to reduce mercury pollution and protect public health [1][2]. Group 1: Mercury in Dental Materials - Mercury-containing materials have been widely used in dental repairs due to their low cost and ease of shaping, but they pose health risks as mercury can enter the human body through vapor, food chains, or water [1]. - The decision to phase out these materials reflects a growing international concern over the dangers of mercury, highlighted by historical incidents such as the Minamata disease in Japan, which was officially recognized in 1956 [1]. - The resolution indicates that while dental mercury alloys represent a small portion of global mercury usage, their direct contact with humans necessitates a gradual cessation of production, import, export, and clinical use over the next decade [1]. Group 2: Additional Resolutions - In addition to dental materials, the conference adopted over 20 supplementary resolutions aimed at restricting mercury use in cosmetics and small-scale gold mining, with the overarching goal of eliminating the use and emissions of this toxic element globally [2].