Abstract
Mercury is found in the environment due to human activities or natural processes. Due to long-range atmospheric transport capacity, biotransformation into organic forms, bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain in combination with high toxicity, mercury has become a priority environmental contaminant, which the World Health Organization has identified as one of the ten most dangerous chemicals for public health.
Mercury exposures in developed countries show significant economic costs, especially in the form of economic productivity losses. Studies have also highlighted the significant economic benefits of preventing mercury pollution in the US and worldwide.
The Community Strategy concerning Mercury has contributed to the development and strengthening of a comprehensive body of European Union legislation dealing with various aspects of the mercury problem. Growing concern has led to many forms of international efforts to address these issues.
In October 2013, an international treaty was signed (the Minimata Convention on Mercury) to control the global release of mercury into the environment.