UNEP urges global action to curb mercury use

UN, 11/17/2007 - The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) agency Monday called on governments to intensify efforts to produce an international agreement to curb the use of poisonous heavy metal mercury.  (See press release.)

UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner, made the call in Bangkok, Thailand, as governments and experts gathered to explore options to reduce environmental sources of mercury ­through legally binding treaties.

"Experts are becoming concerned that increased burning of coal, which is naturally contaminated with mercury, is leading to releases to the air in some parts of the world from where it can spread around the globe," Steiner said.

He also said the soaring gold price may also be increasing mercury pollution locally and worldwide.

This, he said, is because the poisonous heavy metal is used to extract gold from ore in many mining operations which involve millions of artisans and their families.

Steiner pointed out that scientists have been warning about the dangers to human health, wildlife and the wider environment for well over a century.

He, however, acknowledged that many countries have, in recent decades, taken steps to cut mercury use and to protect their citizens from exposure to this toxic heavy metal.

He also warned "a comprehensive and decisive response to the global challenge of mercury is not in place and this needs to be urgently addressed."

According to UNEP: "mercury is linked with a wide range of health effects, including irreversible damage to the human nervous system, including the brain and scientists have concluded there is no safe limit when it comes to mercury exposure."

It therefore urged governments to work with the industry and civil society groups to set "clear and ambitious targets" to reduce global mercury levels.

"They should also set the stage for mercury-free products and processes worldwide," the UN environment agency added.