Heavy metal banned: Future thermometers will contain less mercury.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—In a complete break from Bush administration policies, the United States has joined more than 140 other countries in developing an international mercury treaty that will find ways to cut toxic heavy metal emissions around the world. “Only a few weeks ago nations remained divided on how to deal with this major public health threat which touches everyone in every country of the world,” says Achim Steiner, UN under-secretary general and UNEP executive director. “Today we are united on the need for a legally binding instrument and immediate action towards a transition to a low-mercury world.”

THE DETAILS: Negotiations will begin this year as countries embark on a partnership plan that will focus on safely storing stockpiled mercury, reducing the amount acquired from mines, and cutting mercury content in thermometers. The project will also focus on slashing mercury used in some papermaking processes and plastic production. The UN thinks mercury reduction can produce financial and environmental dividends: Their estimates found that removing a kilogram of mercury from the environment yields up to $12,500 worth of social, environmental, and human health benefits. “I believe this will be a major, confidence-building boost for not only the chemicals and health agenda, but right across the environmental challenges of our time—from biodiversity loss to climate change,” Steiner says.

The announcement of the treaty came just days before the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider a Bush administration “Clean Air Mercury” rule that would have made it easier for coal- and oil-fired power plants to emit mercury.

WHAT IT MEANS: Mercury from industrial and electricity-generating sources often winds up in our waterways, contaminating the fish we eat. In the United States, nearly five million women have blood mercury levels higher than what’s considered safe. The heavy metal is known to damage the nervous system and is particularly dangerous for fetuses and children because their brains are still developing. The metal can also damage cardiovascular health and lead to thyroid, liver, and vision problems.

While the world works to reduce mercury, do your part while protecting yourself: