WHO has identified mercury as one of the top 10 chemicals that may pose a health risk. Global efforts to reduce mercury emissions are making progress Health Care
Mercury has been used for centuries in industry and medicine and even in the manufacture of mirrors, but it has also taken a huge toll on the environment and human health. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), stated this at the meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Geneva.
She stressed that the international community has a responsibility to take action to protect nature and the world’s population from the toxic effects of this substance.
Mrema recalled the tragedy in the Japanese city of Minamata, where in 1956 mass mercury poisoning led to paralysis, coma and death among people and animals. This event became a catalyst for international action.
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 and entered into force in 2017, today brings together 153 states.
The Deputy Head of UNEP emphasized that tangible results have already been achieved today:
- in many countries the use of mercury in dentistry has decreased or stopped;
- a number of initiatives in Africa are promoting the abandonment of cosmetics containing mercury;
- chemical plants are switching to cleaner technologies.
“The Convention also addresses the complex issue of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, where the desire for profit stands in the way of change. In this context, the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities reminds us that environmental progress and justice are always interconnected,” Mrema said.
She recalled the role of UNEP in combating the use of mercury. “We are using our scientific knowledge, our convening power and global partnerships not only to support the implementation of the Minamata Convention, but also to reimagine what sustainable production can be,” Mrema said.
She also noted that science remains the “compass” of UNEP. Collecting global data and creating information platforms allows countries to see the full picture of mercury use and emissions and make effective decisions. This work is directly linked to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, which helps keep mercury on the agenda of international environmental discussions.