Thermometers and other measuring devices that contain mercury and are used in medical institutions in Montenegro are becoming a thing of the past, it was ordered at the first meeting of the Steering Committee of the project "Gradual removal of measuring devices that contain mercury from use in health institutions".
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that this marked the beginning of the implementation of a global project in Montenegro, which the WHO is implementing with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
It is stated that previous research has indisputably confirmed that mercury is one of the most toxic elements and that it can cause very serious consequences for human health and the environment.
It added that mercury is a neurotoxin, and exposure to high concentrations can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, muscles, lungs and immune system in people of all ages.
"Therefore, the Minamata Convention has set ambitious goals to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury in various industries, including the medical one," the statement said.
One of the key goals of the convention is, as it is added, the gradual abolition of the use of mercury in medical devices such as thermometers and sphygmomanometers, and this is exactly the goal of the project.
The WHO said that numerous activities that will be implemented by the end of 2028 will bring together all key actors in the field of health and environmental protection, the academic community, medical institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
"By removing measuring devices that contain mercury from health institutions, Montenegro will be one step closer to fulfilling pre-accession obligations on the way to the European Union (EU), respecting the obligations assumed from the ratified Minamata Convention," the statement added.
State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North, Nenad Vitomirović, spoke about the importance of implementing the principles of the Minamata Convention in Montenegro, as well as the importance of the adopted new Law on Waste Management and the adoption of a new national waste management plan.
He announced the adoption of a new Action Plan for the implementation of the Minamata Convention for the period 2025-2026, by the end of the year.
Vitomirović, as it was added, emphasized that the Ministry is aware of the toxicity of mercury and the consequences that can threaten people's health and the environment.
He confirmed that he is committed to establishing an adequate legal basis that is harmonized with EU legislation.
Director General of the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health, Ivana Živković, emphasized the importance of establishing a system for the safe management of hazardous waste containing mercury in medical institutions.
"Removing mercury from medical devices is not only a matter of legislation, but also a matter of protecting patients and healthcare workers," said Živković.
According to her, the use of devices containing mercury poses a risk not only due to the possibility of mercury leakage, but also due to inadequate disposal of these devices at the end of their useful life.
She said digital thermometers and aneroid sphygmomanometers have already become standard in many healthcare facilities, reducing the risk of mercury exposure.
Živković stated that apart from the technical aspects of device replacement, education plays a key role.
"Healthcare workers must be aware of the dangers posed by mercury and properly trained to use new, safer technologies," Živković believes.
She said that it is necessary to ensure that patients are informed about the risks of mercury and the advantages of new devices, which, she added, they hope to achieve through this project.
"On this path, however, we also face challenges. Replacing all mercury-containing devices requires significant financial resources and logistical support. However, I believe that investing in the health of our citizens and environmental protection is a priority that has no price," said Živković.
Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Milan Gazdić, emphasized that the implementation of project activities is an important step forward on Montenegro's path to the EU.
"There is no doubt about the fact that mercury is one of the most dangerous substances used in various industries, including the medical one," Gazdić said.
He said that this metal, known for its toxicity, has a long-term and harmful effect on the environment and human health.
"If mercury gets into the environment, it can contaminate water ecosystems, soil and air, and by entering the food chain, it directly and indirectly endangers both humans and animals," said Gazdić.
It is added that he emphasized the importance of adequate management of waste containing mercury, which as such is categorized as hazardous waste.
Gazdić said that challenges still exist in terms of insufficient infrastructure, lack of specialized waste treatment facilities, and limited public awareness of the proper handling of hazardous waste, as well as the fact that there is no landfill for hazardous waste in Montenegro.
He added that the Agency will provide the necessary support to this project, because the Agency's mission is to protect and improve the quality of the environment in Montenegro.
The head of the WHO office in Montenegro, Mina Brajović, welcomed the Government's commitment to the implementation of the Minamata Convention and the global consensus on joint and targeted action to reduce threats and dangers from mercury pollution.
Brajović said that Montenegro is a credible partner in the implementation of the ratified Convention.
"Montenegro has been identified as one of the five countries on a global level that will be the beneficiaries of the global project Gradual removal of measuring devices containing mercury from use in healthcare institutions - in order to reduce mercury emissions from the healthcare sector," said Brajović.
Brajović pointed out that the total amount of mercury that is planned to be eliminated at the global level through the implementation of project activities, with the participation of Montenegro, amounts to 29,2 tons.
This, she added, will be achieved through the regulation of procurement issues and adequate solutions for the management of waste containing mercury.
"We have witnessed that since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the level of release and concentration of mercury in the environment has been increasing," said Brajović.
She added that over time this heavy metal becomes a heavy burden and a great challenge of modern society, mainly due to human behavior and activities.
"Whether it is the burning of fossil fuels, which are used in industry or households, burning of waste, mining in search of gold, mercury or other metals, mercury actually enters the environment and pollutes air, water, soil and ecosystems". added Brajović.
She said that once it reaches nature in that way, there are no more limits for mercury.
"It is transported far across the hemisphere before being deposited. Depending on the form, mercury can remain in the air for up to a year", stated Brajović.
She reminded her that by the end of March, 148 countries had ratified the Minamata Convention, including 40 countries of the EURO region, including Montenegro.
Brajović, as stated, expressed satisfaction that the WHO was recognized as a reliable partner at the global level responsible for the implementation of the project.
"This is another important opportunity to, through strong multi-sector cooperation, make an effort to create a sustainable future and development tailored to the health of every citizen, and speed up the process of EU integration of Montenegro and take a new step in the plan of green transformation in the function of protecting the health of the environment and of human health," said Brajović.
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