In an effort to reduce the environmental and health impacts of mercury, Latin America launched a key initiative to improve the regulation of the trade of this toxic metal. Under the name Accelerating Compliance with the Minamata Convention through a Better Understanding and Control of Mercury Trade in Latin America, this project aims to prevent approximately 176 metric tons of mercury from entering the international market, thus mitigating its harmful effects.
The initiative, recently presented in Bogotá, will strengthen regional cooperation to regulate mercury trade and support participating countries in fulfilling their commitments under the Minamata Convention. “This global treaty is essential to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury,” declared Jordi Pon, representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
## A Step towards a Cleaner Economy
The project, funded with three million dollars by the Global Environment Facility and with the support of international partners, seeks to strengthen national and regional frameworks for the regulation of mercury trade. Among its main objectives are:
– Evaluate existing monitoring mechanisms for trade and develop a comprehensive database.
– Support the development and adaptation of national legislations to track and regulate mercury trade.
– Promote strategies to combat the illegal trade of this metal.
– Train trade officials, customs, and border control officers to ensure effective enforcement of regulations.
## Risks and Solutions
Since 2018, the lack of control over mercury trade in the region has exacerbated environmental and health risks. Its use in artisanal and small-scale mining has generated dangerous emissions that affect both ecosystems and nearby communities.
The initiative will also promote the creation of a regional platform for exchanging information on mercury trade to enhance transparency and efficiency in resource management.
With this project, Latin America takes a firm step towards a more sustainable economy, reducing the circulation of mercury and minimizing its harmful effects on the environment and public health.
## What is the Use of Mercury in Daily Life and Its Environmental Impact?
Mercury is used in some everyday products such as thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, and dental amalgams. However, its use is decreasing and is prohibited in some countries. Mercury can be found in:
– Thermometers, barometers, hygrometers, and manometers
– Electrical switches and relays
– Fluorescent bulbs
– Dental amalgams
– Skin lightening products and other cosmetics
– Pharmaceuticals
### Environmental Impact
– Mercury contaminates water and plants
– It can cause serious health problems, such as neurological and teratogenic issues
– Interferes with the normal behavior and reproductive capacity of organisms
– Can transform into more toxic species
– Can enter the food chain and reach humans
### Sources of Contamination
– Burning of solid fuels, such as coal, lignite, peat, and wood
– Small-scale gold mining
– Mining
### Alternatives to Mercury
– Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs
– Electron-stimulated luminescence bulbs
Source: UN.
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