Reduction of health risks from mercury

Elimination of mercury and its compounds is a global challenge. All forms of mercury are highly toxic to humans, ecosystems and wildlife, and even relatively low doses can have serious neurotoxic effects on children.
WHO advocates and acts to prevent exposure to mercury and its compounds by promoting of use of mercury alternatives and eliminating the supply of mercury wherever possible.

In the European Region, WHO is supporting Member States in implementation of the Minamata Convention through training, development of policy advice to reduce health risks, providing recommendations on exposure assessment and tools such as mercury human biomonitoring.