Mercury
Mercury is
listed as a "toxic substance" under the Canadian Environmental
Protection Act. It is a liquid heavy metal that can volatize into
the air and be carried by the atmosphere all over the world.
In Canada, airborne
mercury emissions come mainly from coal-fired power plants in
the United States and base metal smelting plants and incinerators
in Canada.Scientists
have concluded that in Canada and the United States, mercury originates
from both domestic and international sources and is deposited
in sensitive ecosystems. Mercury is found in many lakes, streams,
forests and fields. It can convert to a very toxic and bioaccumulative
form known as methylmercury -- a substance that can affect both
humans and wildlife. For example, methylmercury levels in traditional
foods in northern Canada are rising above those established as
acceptable by the World Health Organization. In Canada's Maritime
region, methylmercury leads to reproductive problems in loons.
Canada's actions
on mercury include:
-
the signing and
ratification of an International United Nations Protocol,
obliging Canada to control emissions of mercury, cadmium and
lead from major stationary sources and some products.
-
the signing of
the Phase II North American Regional Action Plan on Mercury
by Canada, the United States and Mexico under the North American
Commission for Environmental Cooperation on June 12, 2000.
The Plan is an indication of North America's commitment to
control mercury, and to demonstrate to other countries the
need for global cooperation in dealing with long range transport
of air pollutants.
-
the agreement by
federal, provincial and territorial governments at the meeting
of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in
Quebec City on June 5 & 6, 2000 to ratify the Canada-wide
Standard on Mercury, paralleling similar actions in the United
States to minimize the risks from mercury in air emissions
and products. Additional Canada-wide Standards were also accepted
in principle to reduce emissions of mercury in fluorescent
lamps and dental amalgam wastes.
-
Canada's continued
implementation of mercury management options under the Canada/United
States Great Lakes Bi-national Toxics Strategy in order to
virtually eliminate mercury from human activities into the
Great Lakes.
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