This report speaks directly to governments involved in the development of the global treaty on mercury. It presents updates from the UNEP Global Mercury Assessment 2013 in short and punchy facts and figures backed by compelling graphics, that provide governments and civil society with the rationale and the imperative to act on this notorious pollutant.

The report underlines the fact that mercury remains a major global, regional and national challenge in terms of threats to human health and the environment, especially but not uniquely to the health of pregnant woman and babies world-wide through the eating of contaminated fish for example or to marine mammals in places like the Arctic.

It also underlines that the burden of disease in many ways is shifting towards developing countries such as those in areas of the world where a growing burning of coal is increasing emissions of mercury to the atmosphere.

Tags: chemicals toxics and heavy metals ecosystem emerging issue environment and health report