THERE’S no denying that mercury or quicksilver is a thing of mystery.  Both solid and liquid at the same time, its shimmering silver color immediately catches the eye and its ability to reattach itself when separated gives it an otherworldly charm. However, mercury is a dangerous element. The slick façade masks the risks involved when dealing with this toxic material.

As a neurotoxin, mercury exposure can have damaging effects to the nervous system and can damage the brain, thus leading to various physical and mental disorders. While pregnant women and children are most vulnerable to its deadly effects, mercury is an equal opportunity offender. It chooses no one – and can affect anyone for life. 

One heartbreaking lesson on mercury poisoning occurred in Minimata, Japan. Half a century ago, the fishing town was struck by a strange disease characterized by ataxia, numbness, muscle weakness and in extreme cases led to insanity and even death. Researchers eventually traced the cause to mercury dumped by a fertilizer factory into the bay where the people of Minamata caught their fish for subsistence.

Mercury poisoning gained front page news in the Philippines when a high school freshman in Parañaque fell ill to the vapors, days after a mercury spillage in the science school’s laboratory. 

Though mercury emissions occur naturally, it is the growing demand of modern living that has given rise to the startling rates of mercury pollution. Industries such as manufacturing and coal fire power plants emit significant amounts of mercury into the atmosphere.

In 2008, the Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) uncovered that the small scale gold mining industry is the biggest contributor to mercury emissions in the country.

These small scale industries use elemental mercury to capture gold and in the process they contaminate the air, soil and water systems.

To reduce and eventually stop mercury use, the environmental justice group, Ban Toxics, has been dealing and working extensively with these mining communities, explaining the dangers of mercury and offering mercury-free alternatives.

Ban Toxics Executive Director Richard Gutierrez explains that the road ahead is difficult but the support and enthusiasm shown by local government units and the miners themselves are very inspiring.

But what do we do with all the mercury once it has been stamped out of the small scale mining industry and other sectors?

To address this, Ban Toxics with support from the US Department of State and in close partnership with the DENR-EMB has been conducting a series of consultations with concerned stakeholders.

Research and discussions revealed that there are other segments that are producing equally significant mercury emissions and each require a different set of solutions.

For example, mercury wastes from households (in forms of CFL lamps and electronic gadgets) and from the dental profession (“silver” fillings) have been brought to the table. In addition, concerns about available technology, costs, suitable locations as well as the security and safety of a storage facility were put to the fore.

Common to the discussions however, was the importance of involving LGUs, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Councils (RDC) as they have the mandate to draft ordinances and/or can deal directly with the community.

While the task at hand is indeed monumental and difficult, both local concerns and international awareness on mercury toxicity are proving to be great allies.

“Mercury admittedly is a fearsome and intimidating enemy.” Atty. Richard Gutierrez laments, “But we believe that through the concerted effort of communities, LGUs and all stakeholders, we’ll able to stamp out and contain mercury and its ill effects...”

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(Dan Abril is a vegetarian, an environmental justice advocate and currently works as Ban Toxics’ media coordinator.)