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The mercury cell process is one of three manufacturing processes
utilized by the chlor-alkali sector to produce chlorine and caustic
soda. Mercury contained in mercury cells is used in a non-dispersive
way and is recycled within the cells. Strict safety procedures and
process controls are followed to prevent workplace exposure and
to minimize mercury emissions. For that reason, chlorine production
is a relatively small source of mercury emissions to the environment
today, contributing less than one percent of the total global emissions
of mercury from all natural and man-made sources.
WCC voluntarily engages in several global programs to reduce mercury
use, consumption and emissions from the mercury cell manufacturing
process. WCC's global programs augment the programs and commitments
made by regional WCC organizations, which have in many cases reduced
mercury use and releases by more than 90 percent. Emissions from
this sector will continue to decline as the industry implements
best available techniques and transitions to alternative, non-mercury
technologies.
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