Global NGOs welcome W.H.O. support for new Mercury Convention

Today, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) from around the world welcomed the adoption of a new resolution by the World Health Organization's Executive Board (WHO EB), agreeing to both endorse and lend support for countries to address the health-related aspects of the new Minamata Convention on Mercury. They also applauded WHO for encouraging governments to "promptly sign, ratify and implement" the Convention.

"Prompt ratification will result in less pollution and human exposure to mercury, a poison that can affect the brain and the nervous system," said Michael Bender, international coordinator for Zero Mercury Working Group, who presented a statement on behalf of Consumers International during the WHO EB meeting. "To protect people's brains, we are urging more testing of commonly consumed fish, consumption advisories, biomonitoring, and public health campaigns."

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-ngos-welcome-who-support-for-new-mercury-convention-241643591.html