Exports of mercury banned by the EU

The European Union (EU) has made the decision to ban all exports of the toxic metal mercury, it has been reported.

Throwing out exceptions that some types can be exported for industrial use, the European parliament has now implemented a complete ban on shipping the substance off the continent.

Furthermore, once the ban is implemented in spring 2011, companies already in possession of the metal will be ordered to safely store it away.

"Mercury poses a threat to human health and the environment in the European Union and globally", said Stavros Dimas, the EU's environment commissioner.

He continued: "This important piece of legislation will protect citizens by significantly reducing exposure to this highly toxic metal."

Large doses of the metal, which is used in dental fillings, as well as in the production of caustic soda and chlorine, can be fatal for humans and animals.

It appears as though similar actions are about to be taken in the US, as it has been reported that president Bush may sign an agreement banning exports of the substance from the country.