Measures to cut mercury emissions by half

Government has announced measures to halve the amount of toxic mercury released by crematoria into the atmosphere.

Crematoria are estimated to be responsible for around 16% of all UK emissions of mercury, from fillings in teeth. Mercury emissions are predicted to rise by two-thirds by 2020 unless action is taken.

A toxic heavy metal mercury present in the air and water can harm the brain, kidneys, nervous system and unborn children.

The new government statutory guidance means that all crematoria should install equipment to cut mercury emissions by 50% by 2012.

While new crematoria will be required to fit mercury control equipment, those conducting fewer than 750 cremations a year have until 2012 to meet the new requirements.

Britain signed up to an international treaty, the UN Heavy Metals Protocol, which aims to cut down on emissions of harmful metals, including mercury.

Emissions of mercury have been reduced from 1990 levels of 31.6 tonnes to 8 tonnes in 2002.

Environment Minister Larry Whitty said: "By 2020, crematoria will be by far the biggest single contributor to mercury emissions in this country. Something must be done. Our decision - on which we consulted widely - strikes a balance between the concerns about cost to crematoria and the need to control emissions of a substance which can damage human health and the environment."

The Federation of British Cremation Authorities and the Cremation Society are leading work to develop a nationwide "burden sharing system," although it is envisaged that this will be open any crematoria which meet the 50% mercury reduction requirement.

Other European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, have taken steps to regulate mercury emissions from crematoria.

(SP)