U.S. EPA Releases 2023 Mercury Inventory Report Signaling Progress and Environmental Protection

On December 21, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the much-anticipated 2023 Mercury Inventory Report, an important document that sheds light on the supply, use, and trade of mercury in the United States. This is the second inventory report since the finalization of the 2018 Mercury Inventory Reporting Rule, reinforcing the nation's commitment to managing elemental mercury and mercury compounds as outlined in the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

The 2023 report, a significant milestone, captures data effective from January 1, 2020, enforcing the 2016 TSCA amendment that bans the export of five mercury compounds. This information not only aids the United States in implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury but also contributes to the global effort to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury exposure.

Mercury, known to cause kidney damage, respiratory failure, and other severe health effects, poses a significant threat. The report highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating its supply, use, and trade. Mercury, being non-biodegradable, has the potential to accumulate in the environment over time.

Key highlights of the 2023 Mercury Inventory Report include:

1. Inactive Mercury Compounds: Thirty-one mercury compounds are now listed as "inactive" under the Chemical Substance Inventory since the 2020 report.
2. Decrease in Mercury Use: An overall decrease of approximately 13% in the use of mercury in the domestic manufacture, sale, and export of mercury-added products, signaling a shift toward effective alternatives.
3. Sector-specific Reductions: Notable reductions include a 20% decrease in mercury used for products like switches, relays, sensors, and valves, as well as a significant 56% decrease in the use of dental amalgam.
4. Low Totals in Specific Products: Mercury in domestically manufactured and imported batteries, measuring devices, and other miscellaneous products is reported to be less than 0.1 metric tons.

This comprehensive report contributes to the ongoing efforts to implement the Minamata Convention, addressing anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury globally.

Background:

EPA's commitment to monitoring mercury dates back to March 2017 when the initial inventory report was published. Subsequent actions include the 2018 final rule, establishing reporting requirements for triennial inventories. The data comes directly from companies that manufacture, import, or use mercury, providing more reliable and complete information.

The 2023 Mercury Inventory Report builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the 2020 Report, which incorporated contextual reporting requirements resulting in more extensive information on the industries that purchased mercury-added products, the countries of origin and destination for imports and exports, and the specific ways that mercury was used in certain manufacturing processes. Late submissions and additional data were incorporated into the 2023 report, reflecting EPA's dedication to transparency and accuracy.

In November 2021, a final rule eliminated the exemption for persons importing pre-assembled products containing a mercury-added component, reinforcing EPA's commitment to refining regulations based on court orders.

The release of the 2023 Mercury Inventory Report highlights EPA‘s continued efforts to protect public health and the environment by closely monitoring and regulating the use of mercury in the United States.