In Armenia mining companies are among the key sources of mercury pollution, expert of the Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment NGO Knarik Grigoryan told journalists on Thursday.
She said that local cement and chlorine producers are also hazardous. One more source of mercury-related risk is garbage dumps containing fluorescent lamps. "We have also found mercury in Chinese caring lipstick for children," Grigoryan said, adding that mercury is very dangerous for human health and can cause hearing and vision problems, mental disorders and anemia.
"Our experts hope that Armenia will join the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which regulates the use of mercury in manufacturing and stipulates special measures to reduce mercury pollution. The convention will be open for signing during the special conference to be held in Minamata this year. Our authorities have welcomed this initiative and are considering relevant proposals," Grigoryan said