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Gao J, He B, Chen B, Yin Y, Shi J, Zheng M, Hu L, Jiang G. Can Mercury Influence Carbon Dioxide Levels? Implications for the Implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:6077-6082. [PMID: 38556743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The Paris Agreement and the Minamata Convention on Mercury are two of the most important environmental conventions being implemented concurrently, with a focus on reducing carbon and mercury emissions, respectively. The relation between mercury and carbon influences the interactions and outcomes of these two conventions. This perspective investigates the link between mercury and CO2, assessing the consequences and exploring the policy implications of this link. We present scientific evidence showing that mercury and CO2 levels are negatively correlated under natural conditions. As a result of this negative correlation, the CO2 level under the current mercury reduction scenario is predicted to be 2.4-10.1 ppm higher than the no action scenario by 2050, equivalent to 1.0-4.8 years of CO2 increase due to human activity. The underlying causations of this negative correlation are complex and need further research. Economic analysis indicates that there is a trade-off between the benefits and costs of mercury reduction actions. As reducing mercury emission may inadvertently undermine efforts to achieve climate goals, we advocate for devising a coordinated implementation strategy for carbon and mercury conventions to maximize synergies and reduce trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Minghui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
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Abstract
India is among the largest emitters of atmospheric mercury (Hg) in the world. India's production activities have associated Hg emissions which can be attributed to final demands (e.g., purchases by households, governments, and private investments) of nations driving upstream production from the demand perspective, or primary inputs (e.g., labor and capital supply) of nations enabling downstream production from the supply perspective. This study identifies key nations and sectors that directly and indirectly drove India's Hg emissions from both the demand and supply perspectives during 2004-2014. While domestic final demand was the dominant driver from the demand perspective (driving about 80-85% of the total), USA, China, and UAE are important foreign drivers. Similarly, from the supply perspective, domestic primary inputs were the dominant drivers. However, the share of foreign inputs enabling Hg emissions increased from 16 to 23% during the decade. Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Australia, and China are the top foreign supply-side drivers. The Construction sector is an important demand-side driver, whereas fossil fuel sectors are important supply-side drivers. These findings can guide global and national policies for demand- and supply-side management of Hg emissions in India and assist in the successful implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiumeng Zhong
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Zhou
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumeng Li
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- School of Public Policy and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- Institute of Blue and Green Development, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Liang
- Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, People's Republic of China
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Ishida Y, Aoki H, Miyasaka T, Aoyagi Y, Miura D, Shinya A. Effects of Removal Conditions on Mercury Amount Remaining in the Oral Cavity and inside Drainage System after Removing Dental Amalgams. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182413135. [PMID: 34948745 PMCID: PMC8700763 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is produced and drained into the environment by removing dental amalgams, which may cause mercury pollution. This study aimed to clarify the mercury amount remaining in the oral cavity and inside the drain system after removal. The effects of the removal conditions and differences in drainage systems were also investigated. Dental amalgams filled in the tooth and placed in a phantom head were removed using an air turbine under several conditions (two removal methods, absence of cooling water, and intraoral suction). Then, the oral cavity was rinsed with 100 mL of water (oral rinse water), and 500 mL of water was suctioned to wash the inside of the drainage system (system rinse water). Both water samples were collected in two ways (amalgam separator and gas-liquid separator), and their mercury amounts were measured. It was found that the amount of mercury left in the oral cavity and drainage system after dental amalgams removal could be reduced when the amalgams were removed by being cut into fragments as well as using cooling water and intraoral suction. In addition, using amalgam separators can significantly reduce the amount of mercury in the discharge water and prevent the draining of mercury into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Ishida
- Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; (H.A.); (T.M.); (Y.A.); (D.M.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3261-8658
| | - Harumi Aoki
- Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; (H.A.); (T.M.); (Y.A.); (D.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Taira Miyasaka
- Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; (H.A.); (T.M.); (Y.A.); (D.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Yusuke Aoyagi
- Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; (H.A.); (T.M.); (Y.A.); (D.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Daisuke Miura
- Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; (H.A.); (T.M.); (Y.A.); (D.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Akikazu Shinya
- Department of Dental Materials Science, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, Tokyo 102-8159, Japan; (H.A.); (T.M.); (Y.A.); (D.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomaterials Science, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Becker J, Furu P, Singo J, Shoko D, Elbel J, Bose-O'Reilly S, Steckling-Muschack N. Determinants of health and health needs assessment of artisanal and small-scale gold miners in Kadoma, Zimbabwe: A mixed method approach. Environ Res 2021; 197:111081. [PMID: 33775681 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) as a source of income is rapidly gaining importance in the economically difficult times in Zimbabwe. Small-scale miners are now responsible for over 50% of the Zimbabwean gold production. However, the sector is still characterised by high labour-intensity, low productivity and capital, limited mechanisation and outdated technologies. Since increasing efforts in recent years to improve miners' health while reducing the exposure to mercury have not been effective, a more sustainable approach is needed to identify interventions targeting the health of artisanal and small-scale miners and the mining communities. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was the accurate and extensive empirical identification of the determinants of health in ASGM and of the miners' health needs. In tandem with these needs, topics which generate more effective, sustainable, and feasible future health interventions targeting occupational health should be identified. METHODS Based on the identification of determinants of health, a health needs assessment (HNA) was used to conduct miners' needs by applying a mixed methods approach and triangulation. This included qualitative and quantitative interviews with individuals, group interviews, focus group discussions, observations and informal conversations. RESULTS There were 85 structured and 84 semi-structured interviews, a focus group discussion, and observations conducted. Six main themes were identified around which miners' health needs can be aggregated as follows: living conditions, nutrition and hygiene; safe work environment and mining processes; financial support; health care services; formalisation and education. DISCUSSION The following aspects were considered most important for sustainable interventions: possible health impacts, feasibility, value for miners and their willingness to adapt. Accordingly, interventions aiming at increasing education, knowledge and awareness of miners were identified as most promising in improving occupational health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Becker
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Furu
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Josephine Singo
- National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Johanna Elbel
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany; Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall I. T., Austria.
| | - Nadine Steckling-Muschack
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany; Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall I. T., Austria
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Ajiboye AS, Mossey PA, Fox CH. International Association for Dental Research Policy and Position Statements on the Safety of Dental Amalgam. J Dent Res 2020; 99:763-768. [PMID: 32315245 DOI: 10.1177/0022034520915878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A S Ajiboye
- International Association for Dental Research, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - P A Mossey
- Department of Orthodontics, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - C H Fox
- International Association for Dental Research, Alexandria, VA, USA
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Mackey TK, Contreras JT, Liang BA. The Minamata Convention on Mercury: attempting to address the global controversy of dental amalgam use and mercury waste disposal. Sci Total Environ 2014; 472:125-9. [PMID: 24291137 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In October 2013, a new international binding treaty instrument called the Minamata Convention on Mercury opened for signature in Minamata City, Japan, the site of arguably the worst public health and environmental disaster involving mercury contamination. The treaty aims to curb the significant health and environmental impacts of mercury pollution and includes provisions addressing the mining, export and import, storage, and waste management of products containing mercury. Importantly, a provision heavily negotiated in the treaty addresses the use of dental fillings using mercury amalgam, an issue that has been subject to decades of global controversy. Though use of dental amalgam is widespread and has benefits, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for human health risk and environmental damage from emissions and improper waste management. While the Minamata Convention attempts to address these issues by calling for a voluntary phase-down of dental amalgam use and commitment to other measures, it falls short by failing to require binding and measurable targets to achieve these goals. In response, the international community should begin exploring ways to strengthen the implementation of the dental amalgam treaty provisions by establishing binding phase-down targets and milestones as well as exploring financing mechanisms to support treaty measures. Through strengthening of the Convention, stakeholders can ensure equitable access to global oral health treatment while also promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim K Mackey
- Joint Master of Advanced Studies in Health Policy and Law Program, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and California Western School of Law, United States; San Diego Center for Patient Safety, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, United States; Institute of Health Law Studies, California Western School of Law, United States.
| | - John T Contreras
- Joint Master of Advanced Studies in Health Policy and Law Program, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and California Western School of Law, United States
| | - Bryan A Liang
- Joint Master of Advanced Studies in Health Policy and Law Program, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and California Western School of Law, United States; San Diego Center for Patient Safety, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, United States; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, United States
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