E2-Wire

State signs treaty to curb mercury exposure

by Laura Barron-Lopez - 11/06/13 4:20 PM ET

The United States joined other nations on Wednesday in signing a treaty to reduce mercury emissions.

State Department official Kerri-Ann Jones signed the Minamata Convention on mercury to curb exposure to the toxic chemical, which causes severe damage to the brain and nervous system.

{mosads}Jones, the assistant secretary of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, planned to sign the document during the Minamata Convention conference in October, but the government shutdown postponed U.S. involvement.

Tags Mercury treaty