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ARMENIAN NGO: MERCURY FOUND IN TOYS
August 15, 2013 | 16:30
YEREVAN. - Armenian NGO said mercury had been found in children's
toys. According to the research conducted by Armenian Women for
Health and Healthy Environment NGO, mercury was discovered in nine
Chinese-produced and one Armenian toy. Mercury was also found in
cosmetics imported from Europe, including children's lipstick.
Although the concentrations of mercury in Armenia are not exceeding
TLV level, the risk remains because mercury tends to accumulate in
the body.
"In humans and animals, mercury is transformed into methylmercury
which is more dangerous than the metal. Mining industry is another
risk factor," NGO member Knarik Grigoryan told reporters.
The first mass mercury poisoning occurred in 1956 in the Japanese
city of Minamata. It was caused by the release of methylmercury in the
industrial wastewater. People were poisoned by eating fish products.
"The UN adopted the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013. Its
purpose is to remove the hazardous effects of mercury on the human
body. Armenia has not joined the Convention, but we hope, it will do
so," she added.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am
August 15, 2013 | 16:30
YEREVAN. - Armenian NGO said mercury had been found in children's
toys. According to the research conducted by Armenian Women for
Health and Healthy Environment NGO, mercury was discovered in nine
Chinese-produced and one Armenian toy. Mercury was also found in
cosmetics imported from Europe, including children's lipstick.
Although the concentrations of mercury in Armenia are not exceeding
TLV level, the risk remains because mercury tends to accumulate in
the body.
"In humans and animals, mercury is transformed into methylmercury
which is more dangerous than the metal. Mining industry is another
risk factor," NGO member Knarik Grigoryan told reporters.
The first mass mercury poisoning occurred in 1956 in the Japanese
city of Minamata. It was caused by the release of methylmercury in the
industrial wastewater. People were poisoned by eating fish products.
"The UN adopted the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013. Its
purpose is to remove the hazardous effects of mercury on the human
body. Armenia has not joined the Convention, but we hope, it will do
so," she added.
News from Armenia - NEWS.am