As in the Minamata Convention Treaty, the main objective is to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. Other than the consumption of food possibly contaminated with mercury, human health can also be affected by mercury exposure in both working and/or living environments with prolonged unaware mercury vapor inhalation.

Mercury vapor is colorless and odorless, making it undetectable by human senses at all concentration levels. Once inhaled into the lungs, the mercury vapor is absorbed into the body and bloodstream and is extremely damaging to the human neurological system and our vital organs.