Ottawa proposing to ban most mercury-containing products in Canada
Posted February 28, 2011 9:42 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – The federal government is proposing new regulations that would ban the manufacture, import, and sale of most mercury-containing products in Canada.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq and Environment Minister Peter Kent say the move would eliminate 4.5 tonnes of mercury in products entering the marketplace each year.
The government, however, will still allow some mercury-containing products to continue to be manufactured and imported, including scientific instruments, dental fillings and fluorescent lamps.
But the ministers say there will be limits on the amount of mercury allowed in different types of fluorescent lamps.
There will also be improved label information for consumers about the level of mercury in the products and how to safely dispose of them.
The public has until May 12 to comment on the new regulations.
