The Minamata Convention, limits the supply of, and trade in, mercury and the use of mercury added products and industrial processes (batteries, compact fluorescent light bulbs and linear fluorescent light bulbs, cosmetics, pesticides, dental amalgam and medical appliances like thermometers). These will be phased out by 2020. It also prohibits primary mining of mercury and use of mercury to be reduced in coal-fired power plants, small and gold mines and cement production.
As part of the new agreement medical staff and health care professionals will be trained to identify and treat mercury-related exposures.
Among other recommendations, WHO will support Member States to:
- promote the development and implementation of strategies and programmes to identify and protect populations at risk of exposure to mercury
- set targets to reduce mercury exposure
- develop science-based educational and preventive programmes on occupational exposure to mercury and mercury compounds
- provide health care services for prevention, treatment and care of populations affected by exposure to mercury and mercury compounds.
