MERCURY BAN IN BAROMETERS CRITICISED BY MEP ROBERT STURDY
Euro-MP Robert Sturdy has spoken out against a decision which looks certain to ban the future use of mercury in barometers and some scientific and medical instruments.
The fight to save the traditional barometer was lost this week following a key vote in the European Parliament, despite strong lobbying of European member states and the UK's own government. It looks set to mark the end of a 400-year-old tradition.
The second reading of the Environment Committee's report bans the production of new mercury in barometers following a two year phase out period on health and environmental grounds. The ban will also affect thermometers and blood pressure gauges At the second round of voting, member states refused to support an amendment put forward at the first reading by Conservative MEPs. It still has to be approved by the full parliament, and by EU ministers.
Robert Sturdy, who sites on the Environment Committee, expressed huge disappointment:
“This was a disappointing and frustrating result. While I appreciate that we must be vigilant in protecting public health and our exposure to dangerous metals and substances, this is really taking matters too far,” he said.
“Mercury in barometers is miniscule and only accounts for 0.2% of the 300 tonnes used in the industry. This bureaucratic ban marks a very uncertain future for the companies who specialise in the repairs and maintenance of these traditional instruments going back 400 years, it is an area the UK has proudly lead.”
Mr Sturdy was Shadow Rapporteur on the Trade Committees report on Mercury and has long opposed over-zealous restrictions proposed by the European Parliament.
“There are many companies and organisations in the Eastern Region who regularly use these instruments, and have been doing so responsibly for many years. Ensuring users and producers are adequately trained and that the movement of such substances is appropriately monitored is the most effective and practical way to protect our health, not by banning it all together when exposure is so limited,” he added.
“Yet again, the EU has allowed an over bureaucratic piece of legislation to undermine a long held national tradition.”
