Norway set to ban mercury in most products

The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority has proposed a general ban on mercury in products. The proposal will prohibit mercury in switches and relays, as well as mercury used as chemical analysis, in measuring devices and as dental amalgam. The use of mercury in thermometers has been prohibited in Norway since 1998.

There will be time-limited exemptions for some areas of use until December 21, 2010. Regarding amalgam, the proposal concerns making new dental fillings. For some groups of patients, where will be exemptions.

Mercury is regulated by the Norwegian Product Regulations according to the European Union directives on packing, batteries, components in vehicles and electrical and electronic equipment.

The proposal is an amendment of section w2-6 in the Product Regulation. A national hearing on the proposal will open for comments until March 20, 2007.