Among the severe health impacts of mercury are damage to the central nervous system, thyroid, kidneys, lungs, immune system, eyes, gums, and skin. Victims may suffer memory loss or language impairment, and the damage to the brain cannot be reversed.
It is found in some of the foods we eat, especially fish, in devices in our homes, such as fluorescent light bulbs, thermometers, electrical switches, and batteries, and in some skin-lightening creams and other cosmetics that we use.
Antigua and Barbuda, and several other Caribbean nations, have joined over 100 other countries in signing the MINAMATA CONVENTION ON MERCURY and pledging to take measures to reduce and phase-out mercury-added products.