Regulating Mercury Use for a Safer Future

New Regulations to Control Mercury Use and Protect the Environment

The use of mercury in industrial processes will be strictly controlled, and the construction of new mercury plants will no longer be permitted. This initiative aims to safeguard both the environment and public health by reducing mercury emissions and minimizing its presence in products and industrial activities.

These new regulations are set to take effect on September 1 this year. The Industry Ministry has emphasized that the goal is to manage and decrease mercury emissions into the air while phasing out or reducing the use of mercury in various industrial applications. According to Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, these measures are essential for ensuring a safer environment and healthier communities.

Mercury is a versatile element with numerous applications. It is commonly used in specific types of batteries, switches, relays, pesticides, and certain cosmetics—particularly skin-lightening creams. Additionally, small-scale gold mining operations often involve the use of mercury, which is mixed with gold-containing ore to extract the precious metal.

Commitment to International Standards

Thailand's decision to implement these restrictions is partly driven by its commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which it ratified in 2017. This international agreement requires signatory countries to take action to reduce and control the use and release of mercury. The government has been enforcing two key laws to achieve this goal: the 1992 Hazardous Substances Act and the 1992 Factory Act.

Under the new regulations, officials will have greater authority to monitor and regulate the supply, trade, storage, and disposal of mercury. These controls are vital because mercury can easily enter the environment and pose serious risks once released.

Environmental and Health Risks of Mercury

Once released into the environment, mercury can evaporate and spread through the air, eventually settling in different areas via rain or dry deposition. In water bodies, certain bacteria can convert mercury into methylmercury, a more toxic form of the substance. This organic compound can be ingested by small fish and plankton, accumulating in their bodies over time.

As larger fish consume smaller ones, the concentration of methylmercury increases, eventually entering the human food chain. This process poses a significant risk, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children.

Evidence of Mercury Contamination

A study conducted in 2017 by the Ecological Alert and Recovery-Thailand environmental group revealed high levels of mercury in both people and the environment in regions with heavy industry, gold mining, and coal-fired power plants. These findings have raised concerns about potential neurological damage in newborns due to exposure to this toxic heavy metal.

The implementation of these new regulations marks an important step toward addressing mercury pollution. By limiting its use and improving its management, Thailand is taking a proactive approach to protect both the environment and public health. Continued efforts will be necessary to ensure compliance and monitor the long-term impact of these changes.