Activities

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1. Forensic tools for detection and investigation of waste and mercury crime 

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This activity aims to advance detection and investigation methodologies and tools, including the use of forensic analysis and new field methodologies for on-sight verification. With regards especially to mercury-added products, this activity will aim at answering the existing needs of Custom officers in Europe and in CEE/Balkans and African countries, for new practical tools for detecting and identifying the amount of mercury (Hg) contained in mercury-added products. Central elements for mercury will be: 

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  1) Development of a practical guideline/checklists for visual detection of mercury-added products, both newly produced      and products that have become waste. 

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  2) Development of enforcement-specific guidelines/manuals for the use of hand-held analytical instruments to detect          mercury gases (e.g. Lumex) and mercury-containing materials (XRF), respectively. 

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  3) Development of guidance on safety measures to avoid personal and local exposure and spreading of mercury                present. 

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2. Methodologies for estimation of damages

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This activity aims to develop or refine and test of practical methodologies for quantification of damage, particularly looking at those caused by mercury pollution from mercury-added products, e-waste and other problematic waste streams. The methodologies will involve parameters such as geographical area affected and population potentially exposed, toxicology of the substances (including mercury) and estimated costs of damages to health and environment per unit of the substance spread, costs of remediation, etc. These are all highly complex elements requiring expertise to assess. 

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