A BC woman has failed in her attempt to sue the federal and provincial governments for allowing mercury amalgam dental fillings to be used in Canada. Zsuzsanna Holland alleges that mercury from her 17 fillings (installed in 1982) has poisoned her and her children, ruining their lives. Mercury is a serious poison, and dental amalgam is the largest source of mercury exposure for most Canadians.
The case was tossed out on a preliminary motion, in Holland v. HMTQ, 2008 BCSC 965. Governments don’t owe individuals a duty to regulate hazardous substances, although they must properly implement existing laws. Judge Meiklam referred those concerned about dental amalgam to Dental Amalgam.