Mercury is toxic even at very low levels, so there is growing concern among the medical community that the mercury in fillings could be contributing to systemic health problems. Mercury exposure has been known to leave damaging effects on the nervous system, immune system, and digestive system as well as the kidney, eyes, and skin. “Elemental and methylmercury are toxic to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The inhalation of mercury vapor can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal,” the World Health Organization reports. Though mercury amalgam fillings expose patients to only low levels of mercury vapors, it is enough to cause concern. In 2009, the WHO conducted an expert consultation that concluded a “global near-term ban on amalgam would be problematic for public health and the dental health sector,” but they recommended a “phase down” in the industry by raising awareness about the issues associated with mercury fillings and promoting alternatives, in addition to continuing to encourage tooth decay prevention.