The uses of mercury have been significantly reduced in many industrialized countries. Cost-effective alternatives are available for most uses of mercury. However, these reductions in mercury use have had the effect of lowering demand in relation to supply, which has kept prices low and encouraged ongoing use of outdated mercury technologies in less-developed regions or nations.

Since mercury restrictions are less comprehensive or less enforced in many less-developed regions, these trends have contributed to a disproportionate burden of health and environmental impacts in those areas.

To protect the health of communities worldwide, Health Care Without Harm and the World Health Organization are co-leading a global partnership to achieve virtual elimination of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers over the next decade and their substitution with accurate, economically viable alternatives. See the Mercury Free Health Care website.