http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/tech/2006/nov/14/111408232.htmlSTRASBOURG, France (AP) - The European Parliament on Tuesday backed plans to phase out the use of mercury in non-electrical measuring devices, with the exception of barometers and antique instruments.
Medical devices such as thermometers and manometers would be covered by the legislation, which now goes to EU member states for assessment.
The draft directive follows a call by the EU executive Commission to ban exports of mercury from 2011 as part of efforts to cut down the global supply of the highly toxic chemical.
The 25-member EU is the world's biggest exporter of mercury, which is gradually being phased out by industry - even by its main European user, the chlor-alkali sector which supplies chlorine to a wide range of manufacturers.
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