Minamata Convention
( UPSC Prelims)
News Context
The sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury recently took place in Geneva.
Key outcomes
• Nations that signed the agreement committed to gradually eliminate mercury-based dental amalgams by the year 2034.
• They also consented to intensify worldwide initiatives to eradicate mercury-added skin-lightening products.
• Measures were reinforced to address issues related to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Minamata convention on Mercury
A legally binding treaty was signed in 2013 and became effective in 2017 to safeguard against mercury. It is named after Minamata Bay in Japan, which was the site of a significant mercury poisoning incident. The treaty includes 153 parties, with India being one of the members. The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) offers secretariat support to assist with the treaty's implementation and compliance.
About Mercury (Hg)
A naturally occurring heavy, silvery-white transition metal that is unique for being the only common metal in a liquid state at room temperature, often resulting from processes like the weathering of rocks and volcanic eruptions. Other sources include coal ash, coal-based thermal power plants, and gold mining. Historically, it has been used in thermometers, barometers, fluorescent lighting, certain batteries, and dental amalgams. Mercury can be emitted and transform into highly toxic methylmercury, which accumulates in fish, shellfish, and animals that consume fish, a process known as bioaccumulation. Exposure to mercury is extremely toxic, impacting the nervous system, kidneys, skin, eyes, digestive system, and immune system. There is no known safe level of mercury exposure for humans.