Press Releases 1998

[Index]

The new Protocol on Heavy Metals to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVY METALS?

24 June 1998

In the right concentrations, many metals are essential to life and have several important functions in biological processes. In excess, these same metals can be poisonous. For instance, metal emissions from point sources like mines or metal-producing industries can have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area. But heavy metals from anthropogenic emissions can be transported in the air over wide areas and deposited far from their sources.

In general, it would be fair to say that the threats are associated mainly with mercury, cadmium and lead -- the three heavy metals that the new Protocol addresses.

Major environmental problems resulting from the long-range transboundary transport of heavy metals have been documented. For example, cadmium has accumulated in agricultural soils and been taken up by crops. This has affected consumers, who suffer from high levels of cadmium in their kidneys. It has also been observed that the fish from lakes in the Nordic countries and North America have a higher-than-usual content of methyl mercury. Methyl mercury can damage the central nervous system. The greatest risk is to foetuses. The damage takes the form of impaired neurological functions in children below school age.

Locally elevated levels of lead are also a threat to our health. Children are particularly at risk. They can ingest lead from soils and street dust. There are substantial amounts of lead stored in urban soils, too. The ongoing accumulation of heavy metals is also a considerable stress factor for the forest ecosystem and for tree vitality. These effects are reinforced by the acidification of soils.

Where do heavy metals come from?

The main sources of mercury and cadmium emissions are coal combustion in power stations and heating plants, production of non-ferrous metals like copper and lead, refuse incineration and chlorine production (Hg). Rocks also emit mercury. The major sources of lead emissions are metal production and leaded petrol.

What will the Heavy Metals Protocol do?

The Protocol will set a framework for national legislation and lead to a substantial decrease in mercury, cadmium and lead emissions in Europe and North America. Its basic obligations envisage a wide range of actions:

• Countries have to reduce their emissions below 1990 levels.

• Mandatory emission limit values will be set for new and existing industrial and energy production sources.

• It will become mandatory for new and existing installations to use best available techniques, such as filters, switching to clean fuels and mercury-free processes.

• Leaded petrol will be phased out.

• Product management measures to reduce or phase out mercury, lead and cadmium in products will be recommended.

The Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution covers 42 countries in Europe and North America and the European Community, all of which will be free to sign the new Heavy Metals Protocol. The Convention and the experience gained can also be used to initiate discussions to reduce emissions of heavy metals in a wider context. Mercury is transported around the whole of the northern hemisphere.

The Protocol will enter into force when it has been ratified by 16 countries. Once in force, it will considerably ease the environmental problems associated with mercury, cadmium and lead. The Protocol will be an important step towards reaching environmental goals and protecting our health.

For more information, please contact: