(Toronto, On)  Pollution Probe compliments the government of Canada on today's announcement of a new initiative to require vehicle manufacturers and steel mills to remove mercury switches from automobiles before they are recycled. "This initiative is most welcome and needed. It will prevent significant amounts of mercury from contaminating the environment," said Ken Ogilvie, Executive Director of Pollution Probe.
 
Mercury is a persistent toxic substance that biomagnifies through food chains and eventually reaches humans, largely through fish consumption.  At high exposure levels, mercury can cause permanent brain damage, central nervous system disorders, memory loss, heart disease, kidney failure, liver damage and loss of vision.  Even low-level exposure to mercury can result in serious health effects, including neurological damage, reproductive system damage, behavioural problems and learning disabilities.  The seriousness of the mercury issue has been further highlighted this week by scientists at a week-long conference in Victoria, B.C., some of whom are calling for an international treaty to control mercury emissions to protect the Arctic, and especially aboriginal peoples who live there.

"Today's announcement by Minister Ambrose should be the start of a Canada-wide strategy to eliminate and reduce mercury uses and related emissions to the lowest possible levels," Ogilvie said. Pollution Probe is calling for both a Canadian Mercury Elimination and Reduction Strategy, as well as leadership by the government of Canada in calling for and participating in a global strategy to reduce mercury uses and emissions. 

"Now is the time for action. It's time for Canada to close the loop on non-essential uses of mercury, and to catch up to leading European jurisdictions on recycling mercury from appropriate uses, such as from energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing lamps and products."

For more information, see Environment Canada's Action on Mercury Backgrounder