14 In addition, the presence of mercury in products is regulated in different EU directives and regulations, such as REACH. Limit values for mercury in drinking water is also regulated in the provision of the Swedish National Food Agency. Mercury is regulated by the UN Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) and the Minamata Convention, as well as by the EU Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC), the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), the EU Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC), the EU Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC), the EU Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC) and the EU Regulation on setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs (EC 1881/2006). Foetuses and children are especially susceptible. 12 Methyl mercury may harm the brain, the central nervous system and increase the risk of heart attacks. Humans are also exposed to mercury fumes from dental amalgam. In Sweden, humans are primarily exposed to methyl mercury by eating fish. Methyl mercury is biomagnified through the food chain and in species at the top of the food chain, the reproductive ability may be affected and behavioural disorders may arise.
9 10 Mercury is spread through the food chain from plants to animals and is accumulated over time. In areas with elevated mercury levels, the microbial activity in the soil may be inhibited, and therefore the soil fertility. Mercury is a very potent poison and pose a risk both to humans and the environment. 5 6 7 8 On its way some of the mercury may react to form methyl mercury that is easily absorbed by biota. It binds very strongly in the ground, but some of the stored mercury reaches surrounding rivers and lakes by leaching. This is because mercury does not degrade in the environment. 4 Despite mercury being phased out there are still traceable amounts in the ground, in water and in sediment. The concentration of mercury in moss follow the decreasing emission trend in Europe. Since the 1990’s, mercury emissions have decreased substantially, both in Sweden and within the EU. 3 Emissions from Swedish point sources to air and water are of a similar magnitude. The main source of mercury in Sweden today is atmospheric deposition from long-range transport. Sludge from wastewater treatment plants also contribute to emissions. Other emission sources are crematories, landfills and industrial emissions. 2 Mercury also occurs naturally in the environment and is spread during volcanic eruptions or forest fires. Time limited exceptions or exemptions from the Swedish ban may be issued, for example regarding measurement equipment, chemicals used for analysis and certain uses of amalgam.Ī large part of mercury emissions originates from combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas).
1 Some exceptions exist that are subject to EU regulations, such as low-energy light bulbs, batteries and vehicles.
In Sweden the use of mercury and mercury-containing products on the Swedish market has been banned since 2009. This description refers to mercury and mercury compounds. Hg, Kvicksilver och kvicksilverföreningar, som HgĪt room temperature mercury is a silver coloured liquid. Swedish Pollutant Release and Transfer Register
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