The Need for Further International Environmental Action on Mercury.

The article discusses the toxicity of the chemical element mercury and the need for international regulation to significantly reduce global levels of mercury pollution. Information on mercury is provided, focusing on its sources, industrial uses, environmental impact and possible methods of pollution control. The various international conventions which regulate mercury use and disposal are reviewed. Objections to a unified global legal regime on mercury have been raised by developing countries, out of concern that their development may be impeded by such regulations, as well as by the United States, which favors a decentralized approach and bilateral agreements.