The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global agreement to prevent exposure to mercury and its compounds for both human health and the environment, was established in 2013. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that may be released into the air and water by industrial operations, mining, deforestation, trash incineration, and burning fossil fuels. It can also be released into the air and water by the weathering of rocks that contain mercury ore. Mercury may also leak out of items that contain it, such as dental amalgam, electrical equipment, medical and lab supplies, batteries, antiseptic and antibiotic creams, and skin-lightening lotions.
The 5th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury is taking place this year from October 30 to November 3 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference of Parties (COP) will examine the first comprehensive set of national reports submitted by countries on the phase-out of mercury use, debating potential expediting measures and potential improvements to the reporting structure.
On behalf of ESDO, Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO, and Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO, are actively participating at the meeting. Siddika Sultana intervened on dental amalgam at the meeting.
