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New mercury treaty exposes health risks
Michael Bender1, Elena Lymberidi-Settimo2, Edward Groth3
1Mercury Policy Project, Zero Mercury Working Group, 1420 North St, Montpelier, VT, USA.
Journal of Public Health Policy
|October 4, 2013
Summary
A new global mercury treaty aims to protect health and the environment from rising emissions. Immediate action is crucial due to underestimated risks and environmental re-emission, necessitating treaty ratification.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Environmental Policy
Background:
- Global anthropogenic mercury emissions have risen since 2005.
- The environmental health burden is increasingly concentrated in developing nations.
- Mercury's environmental persistence and re-emission cycles complicate pollution control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform about the impending legally binding global treaty on mercury adopted in fall 2013.
- To highlight the treaty's objective to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution.
- To underscore the urgency of reducing mercury exposure and emissions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global mercury emission trends.
- Assessment of mercury exposure risks and environmental fate.
- Review of provisions within the new global mercury treaty.
Main Results:
- Mercury exposure risks are greater than previously understood.
- Environmental mercury can be re-emitted, extending the time needed for pollution reduction effects.
- The treaty includes specific articles for reducing mercury exposure.
Conclusions:
- Prompt ratification and implementation of the mercury treaty are essential.
- Health professionals play a key role in reducing exposure and advocating for treaty ratification.
- Urgent global cooperation is needed to mitigate mercury's health and environmental impacts.
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