US calls for treaty on mercury reduction

[defendandprotect]

"We're prepared to help lead in developing a globally legally binding instrument," he said. "It is clear mercury is the most important global chemical issue facing us today that calls for immediate action."

US calls for treaty on mercury reduction
Buzz Up Send
Email IM Share
Delicious Digg Facebook Fark Newsvine Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks Print By TOM MALITI, Associated Press Writer Tom Maliti, Associated Press Writer – Mon Feb 16, 4:07 pm ET

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090216/ap_on_re_af/af_kenya_un_mercury

Play Video Barack Obama Video:Obama, Pope in cheeky art Reuters Play Video Barack Obama Video:Plan of Attack FOX News Play Video Barack Obama Video:Obama Impersonator Drums Up Support For Charities CBS 2 / KCAL 9 Los Angeles NAIROBI, Kenya – The Obama administration reversed years of U.S. policy Monday by calling for a treaty to cut mercury pollution, which it described as the world's gravest chemical problem.

Some 6,000 tons of mercury enter the environment each year, about a third generated by power stations and coal fires. Much settles into the oceans where it enters the food chain and is concentrated in predatory fish like tuna.

Children and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to poisoning by the toxic metal, which can cause birth defects, brain damage and peeling skin.

[defendandprotect]

1. kick