As the the main mercury supplier in the world, the EU is planning to ban exports of the metal by 2011.

The European Commission proposed on Monday (31 January) a strategy against mercury pollution, aimed at reducing the global supply and protecting European citizens from its effects.

According to Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, the EU will take steps to reduce the demand for mercury products inside the EU but also wants to take the lead in tackling the global pool of mercury that exists in the environment.

Exposure to mercury is particularly harmful to young children and can damage the nervous system, brain and kidneys.

It is used to make batteries, thermometers and caustic soda.

"The EU is the biggest global exporter of mercury and we have a responsibility to phase out this trade all together," said the Commissioner.

Among other actions, the EU is hoping to restrict the marketing of measuring devices containing mercury – such as thermometers.

Spain is the only country where mercury is mined and therefore is expected to be affected the most by the proposal.

The European Environmental Bureau welcomed the Commission's proposal.

The organisation said it is "a clear sign that the Commission is prepared to take significant measures to reduce mercury emissions, supply and demand – not only at EU but also global level – for the protection of the environment and human health".