Introductory Course to the Minamata Convention on Mercury Corporate author UNEP/InforMEA Date 2016 Source IUCN (ID: MON-092675) Title (French) Cours d'introduction à la Convention de Minamata sur le mercure Title (Spanish) Curso introductorio al Convenio de Minamata sobre el Mercurio Publisher | Place of publication UNEP | www Document type Training/educational material Language English, Spanish, French Field of application International Subject Waste & hazardous substances Keyword Toxicity/poisoning Hazardous substances Public health International agreement-implementation International agreement-text Abstract Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs naturally but can also be released into air, water and soil through anthropogenic activities such as mining, metal and cement production, and combustion of fossil fuels. It is used in electronic and measuring devices, cosmetics, lamps, batteries, and in several industrial processes. Mercury is highly toxic and persistent in the environment. It can be transported in the atmosphere great distances, and can enter the food chain and accumulate in flora and fauna such as fish, terrestrial and marine mammals, and even, rice. Under certain conditions in the environment, mercury can be converted to the even more toxic compound methlylmercury, commonly found in fish and aquatic environments. Humans are exposed to methylmercury by eating fish, shellfish, and marine mammals that are contaminated with the toxin. Once methylmercury enters the human body, it accumulates in tissues and can be transferred to foetuses. This course introduces you to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to protect the human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. It establishes specific measures for each stage of the lifecycle of mercury, from mining to storage and waste management, including a phase-out of mercury primary mining. At the end of this course, you will be able to: 1.Describe why mercury is harmful for human health and the environment 2.Identify the core components and mechanisms established by the Minamata Convention The course is comprised of 3 units. Each unit includes a book with links to the InforMEA glossary and relevant documents and websites, additional materials and videos. It will take you 1 hour approximately to complete the course, excluding additional materials. You can manage your time as you wish and retake the course whenever it is more convenient for you. After completing all the units and passing the quiz with an 80% of correct responses, you will receive a certificate of completion. Website e-learning.informea.org Other references Treaty Minamata Convention on Mercury Treaty | Multilateral | Kumamoto | Oct 18, 2013 Keyword: Effluent waste (industrial sources), Toxicity/poisoning, International agreement-text, Standards, Environmental standards, Ecofriendly products/ecofriendly processes, Economy and environment Source: IUCN (ID: TRE-160007)