UN environment chief see mercury use phase-out under new treaty within 3 decades

But nations with artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations, one of the biggest sources of mercury releases, will only be required to draw up national plans within three years of the treaty entering force and then to reduce and — if possible — eliminate the use of mercury in such operations.
Mercury poses the greatest risk of nerve damage to pregnant women, women of child-bearing age and young children. It can also cause brain and kidney damage, language impairment and memory loss. There are no safe limits for the consumption of mercury and its compounds, according to the U.N.'s World Health Organization.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f1ffe713e7e74f5fbaac601f75846266/EU--UN-Mercury-Treaty