Chemical name: Mercury compounds

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Severely Restricted

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

1.Shall not be used as substances and constituents of preparations intended for use:

1.1to prevent the fouling by microorganisms, plants or animals of:

- the hulls of boats

- cages, floats, nets and any other applicances or equipment used for fish or shellfish farming.

- in the treatment of industrial waters, irrespective of their use.

2.The placing on the market of batteries and accumulators, containing more than 0.0005% of mercury by weight, including in those cases where these batteries and accumulators are incorporated into appliances shall be prohibited. Button cells and batteries composed of button cells with a mercury content of no more than 2% by weight shall be exempted from this prohibition.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

All other uses not listed above.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

Shall not be used as substances and constituents of preparations. Certain exceptions apply.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health and environment

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

Chronic effects of mercury vapours are mental changes, tremor and other disturbances of the nervous system. Mercury is absorbed mainly through inhalation of the vapour. Mercury vapour may cause reversible damage to the central nervous system and the kidneys. Metallic mercury may pass the placenta and affect the foetus. This compound has caused birth defects in two different animal species.

Summary of known hazards and risks to the environment:

Very toxic to aquatic organisms. May cause long-term irreversible effects.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 01/01/2001