Canadian Auto Workers(CAW) Council Resolution on Mercury

RESOLUTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF THE USE OF MERCURY IN AUTOMOBILES

April 2001

WHEREAS: The production of switches and wiring in automobiles account for 110 tons of mercury (1999); and

WHEREAS: This is an increase in usage over the levels of 1990; and

WHEREAS: The known detriments to the health and well-being of human beings range from effects on the nervous system and the developing fetus, to other forms of mercury exposure that can damage organs; and

WHEREAS: At low levels, mercury can begin to cause harm before symptoms arise. Mercury poisoning can include tremors, changes in vision or hearing, insomnia, weakness, difficulty with memory, headache, irritability, shyness and nervousness and a health condition called acrodynia; and

WHEREAS: Pregnant women and their fetuses are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of metallic mercury because it readily passes from the placenta to the fetus.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That CAW Council call upon automakers to eliminate the use of mercury in the manufacture of wiring and switches in their vehicles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That CAW Council call upon automakers to take the responsibility to remove and properly manage the disposal of mercury based switches and wiring and replace with safer alternatives of all current vehicles. Automobile manufacturers must disclose historical use of mercury in vehicles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That CAW Council call upon automakers to phase out other uses of mercury in vehicles on a time table comparable to the requirements outlined in the EU's end of life vehicles directive; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That until the complete elimination of the use of mercury - based products in automobiles is satisfied, all automakers shall label all new vehicles for mercury-based products, clearly identifying the vehicles, as well as the mercury-containing part.

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