Mercury is a heavy metal of which some forms are known to be highly toxic. Though mercury occurs naturally in the environment it is now mainly released by human activities.

There should be international action to reduce the risks to human health and the environment arising from mercury release into the environment.

While more data will help, the adverse impacts of mercury need to be addressed at the global, regional, national and local levels. Various options for doing this have been identified, and areas for immediate action have been proposed.