The cabinet has approved ratification of Minamata Convention on Mercury.

• The Minamata Convention is global treaty that aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.
• The name is derived from city that borne the burns of mercury poisoning – Minamata in Japan.
• As per WHO, mercury is considered as one of top 10 hazardous chemicals of major public health concern. It effects nervous system, digestive and immune systems and damages lung, kidneys, skin and eyes.