Summaries of Scientific Assessments
Produced by GreenFacts at the request of
DG Health and Consumers

Tooth filling materials

Amalgam is a combination of mercury with other metals and has been used as a tooth filling material since early in the 19th century.

Alternative tooth-coloured materials are increasingly used because they look better and require less intervention.

Indoor Air Quality

Much progress has been made in Europe in improving outdoor air quality and limit values have been set for several pollutants. However, indoor air quality also requires attention because this is where we spend most of our time.

Which indoor air pollutants raise concern? How can indoor air quality be determined?

Electromagnetic Fields

Safety limits have been set by the European Union for the protection of workers and the general public against the effects of mobile phones and other electromagnetic fields. Are these safety limits adequate in the light of recent scientific evidence?

Sunbeds & UV radiation

In addition to natural sunlight, sunbed users expose themselves to substantial amounts of artificial UV radiation.

What are the health and safety implications of both natural solar UV radiation and artificial UV radiation from sunbeds?

Nanotechnologies

Nanotechnologies represent a fast-growing market and are already being widely used. Yet, materials containing nanoparticles may be of concern for human health and the environment.

Are the existing methodologies to assess the risks appropriate?

Tooth Whiteners

Millions of tooth whitening kits have been sold across the world to consumers seeking to brighten their smiles. The whitening ingredient in these products is peroxide.

Are tooth whitening products containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide safe and should they be freely and directly available to consumers?