UNEP publication: Mercury – A Priority For Action

awareness_raising_package

Mercury – A Priority For Action

Is intended to raise awareness amongst stakeholders of the effects of mercury on human health, wildlife and the environment and on relevant strategies to manage and control mercury. It is designed for the use of government officials, community leaders, and/or workers to provide information and raise awareness about mercury and the associated environment and health risks. It is intended to contribute in building public support and capacity to take preventive actions.

 

The document can be used in a number of ways:

  • for reference,to train staff
  • to present or hand out as copies directly from the toolkit
  • to develop materials specific to your community.

How is it laid out?
The package begins with a user’s guide, providing information on general awareness raising strategies. It also highlights key messages for citizens and NGOs, governments, and small and medium size businesses.

The package includes an introductory booklet which provides a general overview of the mercury issue.

There follows a set of 5 modules that describe different aspects of the mercury issue:

MODULE 1: Mercury in Products and Wastes
MODULE 2: Mercury and Industry

MODULE 3: Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining

MODULE 4: Mercury Use in Healthcare Settings and Dentistry
MODULE 5: Cultural Uses of Mercury

The organization of the modules allows you to go directly to the topic of interest. Each module is presented in a similar way and describes the risks associated with that particular issue and what people need to know in order to recognize and reduce sources of exposure to mercury and to protect themselves and their communities. Case studies are included, providing examples of how some mercury exposure situations have been handled.

A series of associated presentations have been prepared for use in awareness raising. Individuals are welcome to use these presentations (all photo credits must be honoured):

Introduction to the Mercury Issue
Module 1: Mercury in Products and Wastes
Module 2: Mercury and Industry
Module 3: Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (for Government Officials)
Module 3: Mercury Use in Artisanal and Small Scale Gold Mining (for Miners)
Module 4: Mercury Use in Healthcare Settings and Dentistry (for Government Officials)
Module 4: Mercury Use in Healthcare Settings and Dentistry (for Healthcare Workers)
Module 5: Cultural Uses of Mercury

If you believe anything is missing or develop additional materials you think would be useful to others, please provide them to UNEP Chemicals Mercury Programme at the following email address: mercury@unep.org

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