A consultancy study for the European commission has shown that further EU-level restrictions on the use of mercury in products such as measuring devices would not have major economic impacts on manufacturers or consumers.

The study shows that a ban on mercury in polyurethane (PU) elastomers and sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors) in the healthcare sector would have a "very small impact".

Last year a law was passed that bans the use of mercury in several devices, but exemptions were made for others, especially those used in the healthcare sector. Sphygmomanometers for healthcare use were one of the exempted products. But according to the new study, alternatives are "readily available".

The authors also say the EU should seriously consider restricting mercury in dental amalgams and extending existing restrictions on some thermometers to include industrial applications. A ban on mercury-based dental fillings would significantly reduce pollution from the toxic metal but would entail substantial costs, the study says.

Other policy measures explored in the report include restrictions on mercury in porosimeters. Use in this area is "substantially larger than previously expected" and among the largest remaining uses in the EU today, it shows. But more detailed research is needed before considering concrete measures, the authors say.

The study provides consumption data for applications that have not received much attention until now, including biocides in paints and uses exempted under EU battery waste law. It also gives updated figures for the quantities of mercury ending up in the waste stream, two major sources being chlor-alkali production and dental amalgams.

In early December 2008, Environment ministers discussed further global action to reduce mercury pollution.