With African countries demanding the phasing out of fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury, it is high time for the EU to roll out its much-delayed ban of these toxic products.

A group of African countries is taking the global lead have proposed the phasing out of mercury in the most commonly used fluorescent lighting under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

This represents a golden opportunity for Europe to seize the initiative. Although the European Union’s standards are amongst the highest in the world, EU legislation currently contains exemptions and loopholes that allow the continued marketing of certain fluorescent lights containing mercury and the exporting of a wider range of mercury bulbs outside Europe.

“Mercury in lighting is a major public health concern in Africa, where disposal and recycling facilities are in short supply. But even in Europe mercury light bulbs are a worry because they are often not disposed off properly and end up in the environment,” explains Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, a Policy Manager at the EEB and International Co-coordinator of the global Zero Mercury Working Group.

“For that reason, the EU should support the African proposal at the next Minamata Conference of the Parties meeting later this year,” she adds. “Europe should take inspiration from Africa’s example and reclaim its mantle as a global leader by urgently banning in the EU all kinds of mercury in light bulbs and avoiding double standards by prohibiting export to countries with no or less stringent regulations.”

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