Warning on mercury fillings

Excerpts from the Globe's environmental blog.

Mercury-based metals have been used for over a century to fill cavities, but now, in response to a legal challenge, the US Food and Drug Administration has altered its long-touted stance that silver-colored mercury fillings are safe. In a revised assessment, the government agency says the fillings may be harmful to pregnant women, children, fetuses, and others who are sensitive to mercury exposure - though the agency does not recommend removing existing fillings.

"Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner," the agency said.

Next year the FDA will decide whether to put more controls on mercury's use in dental products.

Critics have long said it seems preposterous that the metal is still used in dental fillings.

BETH DALEY

Dozens of readers commented on the plan to begin charging a licensing fee for most recreational anglers to fish in the ocean. Most were incensed. Here are excerpts from a few of the comments:

This is bigger than the money, it goes to man's basic freedoms. The government is crossing the line with this one.
JAMES

I wouldn't be terribly opposed to paying about $20 for a New England saltwater license - I typically fish New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine, and I would never consider buying three separate licenses. Having said that, I strongly oppose any of that money going toward anything other than managing the fishery.
MARK HAGIANIS

The question is how can this action be prevented? Next thing they're going to want to do is charge a fee for how many tomatoes we plant in our backyards. There are enough taxes in this country, and to add a fee to a pastime that goes back millennia is absurd.
FISHY