Market analysis of some mercury-containing products and their mercury-free alternatives in selected regions

The goal of this project was to gather and analyze information related to the availability, suitability and cost of mercury-containing versus mercury-free mass products in developing countries (DCs) and countries with economies in transition (CiTs). In order to have a broad picture of the global situation, two countries were selected to represent each of four UN regions:

• Africa: Kenya, Senegal
• Asia: China, India
• Eastern Europe: Kyrgystan, Russia
• Latin America: Brazil, Mexico

In each of these countries local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) carried out the survey in two or more selected major cities according to prepared questionnaires.

The study gives an overview about selected mercury-containing products and their mercury free alternatives in the above specified countries. The following widely-used consumer products were considered under this approach:

• thermometers and blood pressure meters used in hospitals and medical practices,
• thermometers for use in the home,
• skin-lightening products,
• common batteries and
• dental materials used for restoring teeth.

Read the report for more details.