US EPA: International Actions for Reducing Mercury Emissions and Use
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that negatively impacts human health and the environment around the world. Mercury pollution is transported globally in the atmosphere and in water, so mercury emitted far away affects people and ecosystems in the United States.
The U.S. engages its international partners, multilaterally and bilaterally, to address key mercury issues such as:
- Data collection and inventory development,
- Source characterization, and
- Best practices for emissions and use reduction.
In 2013, the United States joined the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a new multilateral environmental agreement that addresses specific human activities which are contributing to widespread mercury pollution. The Minamata Convention is expected to enter into force in 2017, after the 50th country ratifies it. Implementation of this agreement will help reduce global mercury pollution over the coming decades.