The chemical and physical properties of mercury permit a large use in industry, particularly in the chemical sector and to manufacture electrical and electronic appliances, even if it is toxic for humans and the atmosphere. The ingestion of high doses of mercury causes a quite lethal damage to the nervous system. The European Union (EU) has passed several directives to progressively reduce mercury consumption and its presence in different commodities. The aim of the EU actions is to improve the environment and consumer protection. As a consequence it is necessary to have detailed information about the content of this metal in different types of final products. Based on these remarks, the present article will analyse some products that contain mercury a) to illustrate the changes of the amount of mercury during last decades; b) to define policies and governmental actions capable of monitoring the life cycle of commodities that include dangerous substances. In conclusion the final aim of these policies is to improve consumer protection and above all to choose safer disposal methods of commodities.
ANALISI DEL CONTENUTO DI MERCURIO IN ALCUNE MERCI CIRCOLANTI SUL TERRITORIO ITALIANO
PAIANO, ANNARITA;LAGIOIA, Giovanni;
2006-01-01
Abstract
The chemical and physical properties of mercury permit a large use in industry, particularly in the chemical sector and to manufacture electrical and electronic appliances, even if it is toxic for humans and the atmosphere. The ingestion of high doses of mercury causes a quite lethal damage to the nervous system. The European Union (EU) has passed several directives to progressively reduce mercury consumption and its presence in different commodities. The aim of the EU actions is to improve the environment and consumer protection. As a consequence it is necessary to have detailed information about the content of this metal in different types of final products. Based on these remarks, the present article will analyse some products that contain mercury a) to illustrate the changes of the amount of mercury during last decades; b) to define policies and governmental actions capable of monitoring the life cycle of commodities that include dangerous substances. In conclusion the final aim of these policies is to improve consumer protection and above all to choose safer disposal methods of commodities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
