The ultimate objective of the "Stay Healthy Stop Mercury" campaign is to phase out mercury from health care and a total ban in international trade.
In order to do so, the campaign proposes, as a first step to raise awareness of the immediate health threats of mercury, and to propose alternatives and solutions for reducing exposure.
The campaign is composed of a series of fact sheets and educational materials. It also comprises a hair testing survey, media advocacy and lobbying activities
The educational fact sheets explain the health hazards of mercury, provide information on how the toxic heavy metal should be handled, and describe alternatives to mercury in devices such as thermometers and blood pressure devices.
Mercury and Vaccines FactSheet
Mercury and fish consumption factsheet
Mercury & Health Fact Sheet
Mercury in Health Care FactSheet
Managing Small Mercury Spills Fact Sheet
The campaign launching
The final step of the campaign was a presentation of the report in the EP. The launch was chaired by the MEP Frederique Ries and co-chaired by Genon Jensen of the Health and Enviroment Alliance.
Thanks to the hair testing survey coordinated by HEAL and carried out by doctors on 260 women in 21 countries it was known that:
95% of women had detectable levels of mercury despite it having no posible role in the human body.
15-16% were above the reference dose level.
Spanish women have the highest levels.
There is a clear link between fish consumption and higher levels.
According to the scientific community the main sources of exposure are firstly, through the consumption of fish, especially those in the aquatic food chain; secondly, through exposure to mercury via contact at work and thirdly, from industrial sources in the community.
The short-term objectives of the campaign are banning the intentional use of mercury ( thermometers, medical devices, dental amalgams) and reducing the emissions of coal fire power stations - the largest sourse of emissions at the moment.
Further information
Initiatives on mercury and its health effects
