[PASSED] Toxic Heavy Metals Act

[Wallenburg]

"This is very nice, but it doesn't require member nations to do anything. It's all just suggestions."

"It urges member nations. Should it pass, you WILL damn well be urged." Clover said "There is nothing wrong with mild resolutions designed to urge nations in a specific direction. In the case of environmental legislation, given the vast diversity of this assembly, its often the best way to ensure you won't run into technological or economic conflicts."

"Tell me where I said that mild resolutions are bad. This resolution is not mild; it is bland. Tasteless. There are no mandates whatsoever to add sauce to the World Assembly buffet."

[Normlpeople]

Clover turned, and realizing it was the ambassador from Wallenburg, decided to take precautions. Her horn glowed, and there was a barely visible shimmer around her body for a brief second.

"I did not mean to agitate you" Clover said, regretting having to resort to magic in the WA chambers of all places. "You stated that it did nothing, I said it urges nations, which is something. Forgive me for saying so, but the only spice that improves the blandness of the WA is alcohol. Sweet Sweet Alcohol..."

Clovers eyes glazed over for a second before recovering, and turning to the Kaboomlandian representative, she continued "I agree its quite workable. My concerns are minor and clerical at this point, It pleases me to see an ambassador that took the early criticisms, put them to use, participated a bit, and eventually drafted a decent proposal. You are an example to the current trend of whining alligator tears about the WA elites.

My intern will prepare a list of changes. In the meantime, I have something that needs done" Clover said as she left in the direction of the strangers bar.

[John Turner]

Clover turned, and realizing it was the ambassador from Wallenburg, decided to take precautions. Her horn glowed, and there was a barely visible shimmer around her body for a brief second.

Be careful Clover! You don't want to get stabbed over in the bar now do you?

[Wallenburg]

Clover turned, and realizing it was the ambassador from Wallenburg, decided to take precautions. Her horn glowed, and there was a barely visible shimmer around her body for a brief second.

Be careful Clover! You don't want to get stabbed over in the bar now do you?

"I only stab idiots," said Helen.

[Normlpeople]

Clover turned, and realizing it was the ambassador from Wallenburg, decided to take precautions. Her horn glowed, and there was a barely visible shimmer around her body for a brief second.

Be careful Clover! You don't want to get stabbed over in the bar now do you?

Clover smiled "Just a defensive spell, a personal shield. I don't wish to use offensive magic unless extremely necessary."

Turning to the author, she continued "as promised, my concerns:"

3. Requires member states to educate citizens about the dangers and toxicity of mercury, as well as make every effort possible to safely dispose of mercury;

"I would prefer if this stated 'Every reasonable effort possible, but again, a minor thing"

5. Implores nations to do everything in their power to prevent bioaccumulation of mercury, such as ensuring safe disposal of mercury and reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants, a major component of mercury releases;

"Everything in their power would include a total ban. I would suggest it state 'take reasonable steps to prevent'. I never liked that particular phrase. Clerical, I know.

"You may add WASP to it, to assist in developing alternatives. All in all, I look forward to monitoring this draft."

[Kaboomlandia]

Thanks, I've taken your suggestions!

[Whovian Tardisia]

Yes, but it is known to cause autism. I cannot believe I am saying this, but this may actually be a workable resolution, if it is tightened up a bit. I would like to see commercial bans on mercury across the board, whilst exempting military applications. If that can be made to happen, The Federation will gladly throw it's entire diplomatic clout behind this effort.

OOC:I am sorry to burst your bubble, but the quantities used do not cause autism.

Can we please avoid the "vaccines cause autism" debate here? The proposal does mention it's use in medicine, and vaccines are a medicine. Therefore, mercury would be removed and replaced with a substitute unless none could be found, correct?

[Kaboomlandia]

OOC: Isn't Mercury used in vaccine preservation agents?

OOC: Not anymore, due to concerns over the mercury content. Phenoxyethanol or formaldehyde are used instead.

[Wadden-Amrum]

"We fully endorse this proposal. In our opinion the dangers of mercury outweigh the benefits. When this goes to the floor, expect us to approve it."

[Imperium Anglorum]

Realizing that mercury is an internationally concerning chemical due to its toxicity and potential for immense bioaccumulation, negatively altering human health and natural ecosystems;

Parsons: It is an element, not a chemical.

1. Defines "bioaccumulation" as the gradual and steady collection of toxic substances, including mercury, in organisms, most commonly fish and seafood;

Parsons: Or, if you want the original version, you could add a good old 'for the purposes of this resolution'.

2. Urges nations to gradually phase out, and develop alternatives for if possible, mercury for purposes such as:

• medicine (including dental amalgams)
• small-scale gold/silver mining
• mercury barometers and thermometers
• batteries and electrodes

Parsons: Agreed.

3. Requires member states to educate citizens about the dangers and toxicity of mercury, as well as make everyreasonable effort possible to safely dispose of mercury;

Parsons: (smiles) Two words: 'every' and 'reasonable'.

4. Calls upon member states to research safer alternatives to the use of mercury, and encourages the World Assembly Scientific Program (WASP) to aid member states in their research;

Parsons: (smiles) There is no reason to have a comma between 'mercury' and 'and'.

5. Implores nations to take reasonable steps to prevent bioaccumulation of mercury, such as ensuring safe disposal of mercury and reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants, a major component of mercury releases;

Parsons: (smiles) There should be a comma after 'mercury' and 'and'.

6. Clarifies that nothing in this resolution shall prevent the further implementation of resolutions regarding mercury.

Parsons: I never got these clauses here. They seem to prevent issues with duplication, but they don't change the fact that after passage, future resolutions would still duplicate.

[Kaboomlandia]

Realizing that mercury is an internationally concerning chemical due to its toxicity and potential for immense bioaccumulation, negatively altering human health and natural ecosystems;

Parsons: It is an element, not a chemical.

Aren't all elements chemicals?

1. Defines "bioaccumulation" as the gradual and steady collection of toxic substances, including mercury, in organisms, most commonly fish and seafood;

Parsons: Or, if you want the original version, you could add a good old 'for the purposes of this resolution'.

Will add.

3. Requires member states to educate citizens about the dangers and toxicity of mercury, as well as make everyreasonable effort possible to safely dispose of mercury;

Parsons: (smiles) Two words: 'every' and 'reasonable'.

Yeah, that was a typo.

4. Calls upon member states to research safer alternatives to the use of mercury, and encourages the World Assembly Scientific Program (WASP) to aid member states in their research;

Parsons: (smiles) There is no reason to have a comma between 'mercury' and 'and'.

I see it differently. The comma separates the WASP part from the main goal.

5. Implores nations to take reasonable steps to prevent bioaccumulation of mercury, such as ensuring safe disposal of mercury and reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants, a major component of mercury releases;

Parsons: (smiles) There should be a comma after 'mercury' and 'and'.

You are right.

6. Clarifies that nothing in this resolution shall prevent the further implementation of resolutions regarding mercury.

Parsons: I never got these clauses here. They seem to prevent issues with duplication, but they don't change the fact that after passage, future resolutions would still duplicate.

Yeah, I'll take that one out.

[Whovian Tardisia]

Aren't all elements chemicals?

EVERYTHING IS CHEMICALS!

[Kaboomlandia]

Aren't all elements chemicals?

EVERYTHING IS CHEMICALS!

Unnecessary. Would the ambassador from Whovian Tardisia please remain on topic?

[Normlpeople]

Clover spoke up. "Clause 4 should be divided into seperate clauses. May clear it up:

4: Encourages member states to research safer alternatives to the use of mercury
4b: Expands the mandate of the World Assembly Science Program (WASP) to assist member states, upon request, with such research.

Could even encourage nations to share the safer alternatives, but that may be a hard sell.

I also just noticed the reference to coal plants in clause 5. Examples are unnecessary. Either ban the coal plants and be prepared for the arguement, or remove this reference."

[Wrapper]

Realizing that mercury is an internationally concerning chemical due to its toxicity and potential for immense bioaccumulation, negatively altering human health and natural ecosystems;

Parsons: It is an element, not a chemical.

Hmmm, Parsons may have a point here. Perhaps neither term should be used. To clarify, what exactly is being regulated here, elemental liquid mercury, or all chemical compounds containing mercury?

[Kaboomlandia]

Parsons: It is an element, not a chemical.

Hmmm, Parsons may have a point here. Perhaps neither term should be used. To clarify, what exactly is being regulated here, elemental liquid mercury, or all chemical compounds containing mercury?

It is elemental liquid mercury that is the main problem.

Clover spoke up. "Clause 4 should be divided into seperate clauses. May clear it up:

4: Encourages member states to research safer alternatives to the use of mercury
4b: Expands the mandate of the World Assembly Science Program (WASP) to assist member states, upon request, with such research.

Could even encourage nations to share the safer alternatives, but that may be a hard sell.

I also just noticed the reference to coal plants in clause 5. Examples are unnecessary. Either ban the coal plants and be prepared for the arguement, or remove this reference."

Isn't that already covered by Scientific Cooperation?

[Wrapper]

Hmmm, Parsons may have a point here. Perhaps neither term should be used. To clarify, what exactly is being regulated here, elemental liquid mercury, or all chemical compounds containing mercury?

It is elemental liquid mercury that is the main problem.

With all due respect, Ambassador, you didn't answer the question directly. Granted, elemental liquid mercury is the main problem, but, is it your intent to only regulate elemental liquid mercury, or is it your intent to regulate other mercury-containing compounds as well?

OOC: This may seem petty but it will make a difference in my forthcoming comments. For example, to give you a free preview: Dental amalgams do not contain liquid elemental mercury, they contain a solid mercury alloy. Mercury battery electrodes contain HgO, not Hg. Et cetera.

[Candlewhisper Archive]

OOC:

Was going to reply to this IC, but medical responsibility is pushing me to a little public health work here.

There is no demonstrated link between the MMR and autism. The observed correlation is non-causal, relating to a steady increase in rates of diagnosis (that is, improved quality of diagnosis making, not true increased incidence) and the correlation is based on a coincidental timing in the ages at which MMRs are given and which autism is diagnosed.

There is no demonstrated link between mercury in vaccinations and autism.

The removal of thimerosal from vaccines was done to placate those who held a non-evidence based viewpoint, essentially "playing it safe". Notably, removal of thimerosal from vaccines has not reduced the increasing rate of autism diagnosis.

The evidence here is very, very strong to support MMR NOT causing autism. Its stronger than in almost evidence-based medical practice, because of a swathe of studies that moved to counteract the poorly designed and phrased initial study that suggested a link.

Please, please vaccinate your kids.

[Imperium Anglorum]

It is elemental liquid mercury that is the main problem.

With all due respect, Ambassador, you didn't answer the question directly. Granted, elemental liquid mercury is the main problem, but, is it your intent to only regulate elemental liquid mercury, or is it your intent to regulate other mercury-containing compounds as well?

OOC: This may seem petty but it will make a difference in my forthcoming comments. For example, to give you a free preview: Dental amalgams do not contain liquid elemental mercury, they contain a solid mercury alloy. Mercury battery electrodes contain HgO, not Hg. Et cetera.

Parsons: The Wads (pardon if I am incorrect on this matter) have a point which cannot be ignored. Not all compounds containing mercury are dangerous, though a great many are. This needs to be clarified by the author, as currently, it doesn't seem like the resolution does anything about dimethylmercury, which melts latex gloves, and will kill a human with a dose of 0.1 mL.

[Wrapper]

With all due respect, Ambassador, you didn't answer the question directly. Granted, elemental liquid mercury is the main problem, but, is it your intent to only regulate elemental liquid mercury, or is it your intent to regulate other mercury-containing compounds as well?

OOC: This may seem petty but it will make a difference in my forthcoming comments. For example, to give you a free preview: Dental amalgams do not contain liquid elemental mercury, they contain a solid mercury alloy. Mercury battery electrodes contain HgO, not Hg. Et cetera.

Parsons: The Wads (pardon if I am incorrect on this matter) have a point which cannot be ignored. Not all compounds containing mercury are dangerous, though a great many are. This needs to be clarified by the author, as currently, it doesn't seem like the resolution does anything about dimethylmercury, which melts latex gloves, and will kill a human with a dose of 0.1 mL.

All OOC (and likely pretty boring to a lot of you, I guarantee):

Actually pretty much every mercury compound is dangerous to one degree or another, but to expand on what you're saying:

We've mentioned elemental mercury, whose properties are well-known, and amalgam, which is an alloy of mercury, one of its least toxic forms. IA mentioned dimethyl mercury, which is organometallic mercury, compounds that are highly toxic. Then there are inorganic mercury salts (e.g., mercuric chloride, one of the few that's still commonly used today), which are slightly less toxic; however, in the food chain, they get converted to methylmercury, a very highly toxic organometal, so bioaccumulation is a major concern. There are other mercury compounds, like mercury fulminate -- who cares if it's toxic or if it bioaccumulates if it's a shock-sensitive primary explosive?

While technology has been evolving to replace many mercury compounds in use -- e.g. nonmetallic composite fillings, alcohol thermometers, lead azide and lead styphnate as primary explosives, electronic thermostats -- there are some uses of mercury compounds in which we do not now have the technology to substitute for and eliminate mercury, e.g. fluorescent bulbs, laboratory instruments.

The problem is, this resolution is trying to tie them all together in one neat package. That's the point I want to make. Trying to deal with different issues for different types of mercury compounds in one 3000-word resolution... eh, that's going to take a lot of work to make sense, and as of right now, this falls short.

Kaboom, you've come a long way since you first started here, and that's great, but you're still juuuuust a little off-base with some of your material here. I do think this has great potential, though, and it's obvious you've done quite a bit of homework on this. I'll shoot you a TG tomorrow or this weekend with some more detailed suggestions on how to make this work.

[Babylatia]

Nit picking, but the clauses before the 'Hereby' should end in commas.

[Kaboomlandia]

With all due respect, Ambassador, you didn't answer the question directly. Granted, elemental liquid mercury is the main problem, but, is it your intent to only regulate elemental liquid mercury, or is it your intent to regulate other mercury-containing compounds as well?

OOC: This may seem petty but it will make a difference in my forthcoming comments. For example, to give you a free preview: Dental amalgams do not contain liquid elemental mercury, they contain a solid mercury alloy. Mercury battery electrodes contain HgO, not Hg. Et cetera.

Parsons: The Wads (pardon if I am incorrect on this matter) have a point which cannot be ignored. Not all compounds containing mercury are dangerous, though a great many are. This needs to be clarified by the author, as currently, it doesn't seem like the resolution does anything about dimethylmercury, which melts latex gloves, and will kill a human with a dose of 0.1 mL.

Yes, but seeing as dimethylmercury has no use whatsoever, I didn't see the need to include it here.

Nit picking, but the clauses before the 'Hereby' should end in commas.

Fixed.

[Kaboomlandia]

OOC: Bump.

[Kaboomlandia]

Added a clause exempting mercury from most of these restrictions in military applications, as long as due care is still taken where needed.
I never heard back from Wrapper on their suggestions.

[Wrapper]

Added a clause exempting mercury from most of these restrictions in military applications, as long as due care is still taken where needed.
I never heard back from Wrapper on their suggestions.

OOC: Apologies. TG forthcoming.