Brussels, 20/08/2014 (Agence Europe) - Opinions and comments on the use of mercury in Europe are being called for. On 19 August, the European Commission opened a public consultation on this subject in view of introducing legislative changes required for the Minamata Convention on mercury, which the EU signed in October 2013 and to which it now intends to become a party.
This global treaty aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury, and aims to phase out many of this toxic chemical element's current uses (see EUROPE 10940).
Mercury is used in the plastics industry, for instance in dental amalgams, and is also released through coal-fired power stations. Around half of the mercury currently released into the atmosphere comes from human activity.
The Minamata Convention includes many measures to reabsorb the damaging effects of mercury, and several of these are already included in European legislation. Nonetheless, certain legislation still needs to be updated to comply with Convention provisions or even to be introduced. This will included import restrictions for metallic mercury from Convention non-parties and an export ban for certain products containing mercury, as well as restrictions on mercury use and treatments.
The Commission consultation is open until 14 November and focuses on different aspects. The opinions and comments will then be taken into account in the drafting of a package on the ratification of the Minamata Convention. (MD)