Mercury can harm human health and the ecosystem, and is considered a toxic pollutant. If it is inhaled, it can be fatal. Products containing mercury include batteries, auto parts, thermostats and many common health care tools, such as fever thermometers and other measurement devices.
The Program has concentrated on completing inventories of, and constructing temporary disposal sites for, mercury–containing products; training on proper handling of mercury in medical settings; and developing mercury-free alternatives.
In Costa Rica, a pilot project, “Hospitals without Mercury”, seeks to dispose of equipment containing mercury and replace it with alternative technology. The Director of a participating hospital has estimated that a gram of mercury in a conventional thermometer can contaminate 80 hectares of water, and that about 400 thermometers are broken and disposed of in his hospital every month.
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Pollutant Release & Transfer Registry (PRTR)
We have supported all CAFTA-DR countries to adopt PRTR work plans meeting the guidelines of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to track the release and transport of chemicals, wastes and hazardous materials, and to create national committees to oversee the implementation of the plans. For more on PRTR, see www.epa.gov/TRI/programs/
international and www.unitar.org/cwm/prtr/what-is
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Strategic Approach to International Chemical Management
(SAICM)
SAICM’s goal: By the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.
To contribute to reaching the SACIM goal, we work to assist CAFTA-DR governments to
- Prepare regional/national capacity assessment(s) to identify SAICM priorities;
- Develop partnership/demonstration pilot projects aimed at achieving concrete reductions and harmonizing mutual interests; and
- Reduce risks, improve governance, and strengthen enforcement of international regulations regulating chemicals.
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Activities
Activities
Activities
Activities
