MINAMATA CONVENTION

Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013 at Geneva, is first global legally binding treaty to protect human health and environment from adverse effects of mercury. o It is named after the city in Japan that became the epicentre of Minamata disease, a neurological disease caused by severe mercury poisoning, in 1950s. o It came into force in 2017. Presently, there are 144 Parties and 128 Signatories to it. o India ratified it in 2018 with flexibility for continued use of mercury-based products and processes involving mercury compounds up to 2025. • Minamata Convention requires that party nations o Reduce and where feasible eliminate use and release of mercury from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining. o Control mercury air emissions from coal fired power plants, coal-fired industrial boilers etc. o Phase-out or reduce mercury use in products like batteries, switches, lights, cosmetics, pesticides, dental amalgam. o Addresses supply and trade of mercury; safer storage and disposal, and strategies to address contaminated sites. • Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil o It may have toxic effects on nervous system, thyroid, kidneys, lungs, immune system, eyes, gums and skin. o It is considered by WHO as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern.