The Ministry of Environment has circulated the project "On defining the list of products with mercury additive prohibited for export from the Republic of Armenia and import to the Republic of Armenia" on the unified website for the publication of legal acts and drafts on the e-draft.am platform.
The draft envisages establishing exceptions for products with mercury additives prohibited for import or export, if they are necessary for the purposes of civil defense, military, research (including medical), testing, calibration of devices and use as a reference sample (standard).
By imposing a ban on the import and export of mercury-containing products, it is planned to phase out these products from circulation, gradually transitioning to the use of existing alternatives to these products, which do not contain mercury or other dangerous substances in their composition.
The goal is to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic exposure to mercury and mercury compounds, which are highly toxic and harmful to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. "Mercury often enters the human body by inhaling its odorless vapors. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury can cause health problems and severe poisoning. Mercury has a toxic effect on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. Mercury and its compounds are especially dangerous for pregnant women, as they threaten the normal development of the fetus. Acute mercury poisoning can lead to death. The World Health Organization considers mercury among the top ten chemicals or compounds of significant public health concern.
You can familiarize yourself with the project at the following link: https://www.e-draft.am/projects/5763