Mercury is a persistent, global, and toxic element. It does not degrade, but it changes forms as it cycles through the environment. When mercury is emitted, it can be transported over long distances and re-deposited.
The source can be natural, such as from rock erosion or volcanic eruption, but there are many more anthropogenic sources of mercury emission. Mercury moves through the air, water, and earth, crossing borders while it is being transported. This is why a multilateral and global effort is required to limit mercury pollution.
The latest Mercury Inventory Report was recently published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Information exchange, public awareness, research, and monitoring are all benefits of the Mercury Inventory Report. This report also assists policymakers in furthering the goals of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
The United States in 2013 joined the Minamata Convention on Mercury, whose mission is to help “countries to control, reduce and eliminate mercury across all its life-stages with the ultimate goal to protect human health and the environment.”1 The agreement requires member nations to control, reduce or eliminate mercury from a variety of anthropogenic sources. These include supply and trade; use, emissions, and releases; as well as storage and waste management.
The Inventory of Mercury Supply, Use, and Trade in the United States 2023 Report is a triennial report that presents the collected data from 2021 submissions. Those required to submit data engaged in any of the following activities: imported mercury, manufactured mercury in the U.S., imported products containing mercury, manufactured products that contained mercury, or used mercury as part of a manufacturing process. Having the aggregated data from 2021 allows scientists to better understand and interpret ongoing activities and trends related to mercury.
Some highlights from the 2023 report include:
- 124 activities reported in 105 submissions
- 31 mercury compounds listed as 'inactive' since the last report.
- 13% decline in the amount of mercury used in domestic mercury added products.
- This suggests effective alternatives are being found!
- 56% decrease in the use of mercury in dental amalgam.
The infographic from the Minamata Convention has a great overview of the anthropogenic sources of mercury, how it moves throughout industry and the environment, and how it ties into the Minamata Convention's articles.
References:
2. https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-12/2023-mercury-inventory-report_final.pdf
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