World leaders recently met in Geneva to address ongoing mercury pollution and health risks. Despite limited success, there is no global agreement on measuring industrial mercury waste. Mercury is present in various products, and a decade-old Minamata Convention aims to mitigate its effects. Challenges remain, including international mercury trade and disagreement on phasing it out in tooth fillings. Successes include a ban on using mercury in cosmetics by 2025 and increased support for Indigenous peoples. Mercury exposure poses severe health risks, especially to neurological development in fetuses and infants.
Zachary Mackenzie
Xavier Graduate
PPP and Political Science Major
Community Building Institute
248-639-0103