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Nu börjar det närma sig ett totalt förbud för kvicksilver i EU.
On 14 March, environment ministers reviewed the EU’s strategy concerning mercury and adopted conclusions on further steps to be taken to limit and phase out emissions, both at EU and international level.
The Council welcomed the significant progress achieved in the last five years since the adoption of the strategy. It looks forward to the Commission’s investigation into the use of dental amalgam. The investigation should include mercury-free alternatives as well as possibilities for reducing releases from crematoria and dental clinics. Mercury-containing button cell batteries should also be investigated further.
Mercury is also to be found in energy-saving light bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps). In September 2010, the maximum mercury content in such lamps permitted in the EU was significantly reduced. Ministers stressed the importance of minimising mercury exposure for consumers, workers and the environment from mercury- containing lamps.
As mercury is a global pollutant which can cross international borders, coordinated international action is needed. The EU must intensify its international efforts to reduce mercury emissions and aim to reach a global phase-out of primary production.
- Mercury is a highly toxic substance to humans, animals and ecosystems. High doses can be fatal to humans; relatively low doses can seriously harm the nervous system.
- It is a pollutant which can move over long distances when released by human activities (burning of coal, use in thermometers and gold mining, for instance). It moves through air, water, sediments, soil and the food chain. Of special concern is the accumulation of mercury in fish and seafood.
- The sale of fever thermometers and other measuring devices containing mercury is prohibited in the EU. It is currently considered to extend this prohibition to other health care equipment. Moreover, mercury may no longer be used in materials and components of vehicles.
- A ban on EU exports of mercury takes effect on 15 March.
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