EU and US ban mercury exports

The European Union and the United States have banned the export of pure mercury in an attempt to protect the environment and people’s health.

The EU’s ban will start from 2011, whilst the US ban will begin in 2013.

In Europe, additional rules will be introduced to complement the ban, including a ban on the export of mercury mixed with other substances, and legislation to ensure that existing mercury is stored safely.

The EU banned mercury extraction within its borders in 2001, but it is still the world’s biggest exporter of the poisonous metal.

Mercury is used in the production of PVC plastic, as well as in gold mining, fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers and dental amalgams.

In high doses, it is lethal to both humans and animals, and even in low doses it can cause serious damage to the nervous system, the heart, the immune system, and the reproductive system.

When transported, the chemical easily evaporates into the air.

Once evaporated, mercury pollutes rain clouds and eventually enters water supplies.

EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said mercury threatens health and the environment within the EU.

He added that the new legislation will protect EU citizens from exposure to the ‘highly toxic metal’.

In January, the EU will consider whether a ban on the import of mercury should also be applied.