WHAT:

The PA Coalition for Mercury-Free Dentistry will hold a press conference on October 7 at Dilworth Plaza, Philadelphia City Hall to expose the truth about the dangers of amalgam dental fillings, deceptively called “silver” by the American Dental Association (ADA). Most consumers are unaware that their amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury, and according to the National Academy of Natural Sciences’ 2000 mercury report, dental amalgam is the primary source of mercury exposure for the general population. Pregnant women, unborn children, and minorities are at the greatest risk for mercury poisoning and related illnesses.

When the ADA meets for its 146th annual convention from October 6-8 in Philadelphia, the PA Coalition for Mercury-Free Dentistry joined by consumer and group advocates will demand that the ADA quit calling mercury fillings “silver,” and that they repeal their “Gag Rule” preventing dentists from telling patients that silver fillings are mercury and may be hazardous to their health.

Environmental groups recommend dentists reduce their use of mercury fillings in consideration of environmental impacts. According to the U.S. EPA, dental mercury comprises 55% of the total – or over 1,000 tons of mercury residing in the mouths of Americans today nationwide. Minority and disadvantaged groups want informed consent, choice and insurance coverage for alternative non-mercury fillings.

Free mercury vapor testing of amalgam ”silver” will be available at the rally and press conference.

WHO:

Speakers include:

• Blondell Reynolds Brown, Philadelphia City Councilwoman (At-Large)
• Charles Brown, Esq., National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice
• Freya Koss, PA Coalition for Mercury-Free Dentistry & Consumer Advocate
• Frederick Burton, MD, physician specializing in alternative internal medicine
• Richard Fischer, DDS, past president of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
• Rashid Buttar, DO, physician treating chronic illness & mercury toxicity and autism
• Mark R. Geier, MD, physician, geneticist & research scientist; expert on autism & mercury
• Margarita Contreras, ACLAMO, administrator (Hispanic social service agency)
• David Geier, Bio-chemist and research scientist, expert n autism & mercury
• Arthur Stomalis, Clean-Air Council, environmental concerns
• Consumers who have suffered physical and mental illnesses due to mercury toxicity

WHEN:

Friday, October 7, 2005
10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.: Press Conference at Dilworth Plaza, City Hall preceded by Public Rally at the PA Convention Center, 8:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.: Screening of “Smoking Teeth” short film in Room 400, City Council Chambers, City Hall (Press and public are welcome to meet with experts for Q & A)

Press Conference : Dilworth Plaza at City Hall, 15 th and JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia
Public Rally: PA Convention Center, 12 th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia