Mercury Measuring Devices Phasing Out
Source: United Nation
GS II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Overview
- News in Brief
- What is the issue with Mercury-based instruments?
- How phasing out started?
- About Mercury
Why in the News?
Nations unite to eliminate mercury-containing medical devices.
News in Brief
- Governments of Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro and Uganda have joined forces in a historic endeavour to tackle chemical pollution.
- This marks a significant milestone as these nations unveil a US$ 134 million project to eliminate the use of mercury in medical devices.
- Medical thermometers and sphygmomanometers (devices that measure blood pressure) are essential medical devices used widely in healthcare.
What is the issue with Mercury-based instruments?
- Devices that historically have contained mercury are harmless as long as they remain intact.
- When these devices break or are taken out of service, the mercury they contain can escape into the environment where it vaporizes, exposing healthcare workers and patients to harmful fumes.
- Inhalation can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and nervous system.
- Waste generated can contaminate the immediate area of the spill, as well as a facility’s wastewater.
How phasing out started?
- This is led by
- Implementation process nationwide strategies to phase out the import, export and manufacture of thermometers and sphygmomanometers.
- Involve transforming procurement and supply chains, including alternatives, training of medical staff, building awareness among the public and training for improved waste management.
- Advantages
- Digital thermometers can be up to one-third cheaper than their mercury counterparts.
- All maintaining the same level of clinical accuracy.
- The target for phasing out
- Phase out mercury-added thermometers and sphygmomanometers at a rate of 20% per year.
- Reducing spillages by 23 350 kg.
- Improving the lives of over 1.8 million people.
About Mercury
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water, and soil. Known for its liquid state at room temperature, mercury is used in various industrial processes and products. However, it is highly toxic and poses significant health and environmental risks.
Characteristics
- Chemical Properties: Mercury, symbol Hg, has an atomic number of 80. It is unique among metals as it remains liquid at room temperature.
- Forms of Mercury:
- Elemental Mercury (Metallic Mercury): Found in thermometers, dental amalgams, and some electrical switches.
- Inorganic Mercury Compounds: Used in industrial processes and some cosmetics.
- Organic Mercury Compounds: Methylmercury is the most toxic form, accumulating in fish and marine life.
Sources
- Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions, weathering of rocks, and geothermal activities release mercury into the environment.
- Human Activities:
- Coal Combustion: Burning coal for energy is a major source of mercury emissions.
- Gold Mining: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining uses mercury to extract gold, leading to significant releases.
- Industrial Processes: Chlor-alkali plants, cement production, and waste incineration contribute to mercury pollution.
- Products: Thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and dental fillings contain mercury.
Health Effects
- Neurological Damage: Mercury exposure, particularly to methylmercury, can cause severe damage to the brain and nervous system. It is especially harmful to fetuses and young children, affecting cognitive functions and development.
- Kidney Damage: Mercury can accumulate in the kidneys, leading to renal dysfunction.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Some studies suggest that mercury exposure may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Other Health Issues: Symptoms of mercury poisoning include tremors, insomnia, memory loss, neuromuscular effects, headaches, and cognitive and motor dysfunction.
Environmental Impact
- Bioaccumulation: Mercury bioaccumulates in the food chain, particularly in fish and shellfish, posing a risk to wildlife and humans.
- Ecosystem Damage: Mercury pollution can harm terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, affecting plant and animal life.
- Water Contamination: Mercury released into water bodies can convert into methylmercury, contaminating fish and posing health risks to those who consume them.
International Efforts and Regulations
- Minamata Convention on Mercury: An international treaty adopted in 2013 to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. The convention includes measures to control the production, import, and export of mercury, reduce its use in products and processes, and address mercury-containing waste.
- Global Mercury Partnership: UNEP leads this initiative to protect human health and the environment from mercury through collaborative actions and projects.
Key Measures and Initiatives
- Reducing Mercury Emissions: Implementing cleaner technologies and practices in industries and power plants to reduce mercury emissions.
- Phasing Out Mercury Products: Developing and promoting mercury-free alternatives for products and processes.
- Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about the risks of mercury exposure and promoting safe practices.
- Monitoring and Research: Enhancing the monitoring of mercury levels in the environment and conducting research to better understand its impacts.
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