Mercury – Reductions are feasible

The international community has agreed to negotiate a global treaty on mercury. The reasons are more than obvious: Every year some 1200 – 2900 tonnes of mercury are released into the atmosphere from human activities, causing severe health problems for both humans and wildlife. Mercury has many toxic effects, but the most subtle for humans is the reduction in intellectual capacity due to the effects of mercury exposure on the developing nervous system of unborn babies and young children. With this publication the Nordic Council of Ministers would like to draw attention to some of the more efficient technologies available to tackle a range of mercury challenges. Our hope is that it will serve as a concrete contribution to the global call for action to combat mercury pollution.