International Treaty on Mercury

The World Health Organization has approved a new international convention that will reduce the harmful health effects of mercury, a chemical known to travel long distances in the atmosphere and accumulate in fish ecosystems. Mercury is significantly detrimental to human health and may cause permanent damage to the nervous system, particularly the developing nervous system. Infants, children and women of child-bearing age must be extra cautious because the chemical can be passed from a mother to her unborn child.

The treaty, which evolved from extensive analysis of evidence and a series of negotiations involving more than 140 countries, establishes numerous protective measures, including controls on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The treaty also includes an article dedicated to health. For more information, click here.