The European Parliament has voted to support legislation aimed at phasing out mercury in non-electrical measuring devices, with the exception of barometers and antique instruments.

Parliamentary members backed the plan on Tuesday with 327 votes for, 274 against and 17 abstentions.

The legislation covers medical instruments, such as thermometers, and manometers, an instrument used for measuring the pressure of liquids and gases. It must now go to EU member states for approval.

The move comes on the heels of a EU executive commission recommendation to ban exports of mercury starting in 2011 and is part of a global campaign to decrease the supply of the toxic chemical.

Mercury, which is liquid at room temperature, can be deadly and even small amounts can damage the nervous system. It has been linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children and to heart, nervous system and kidney damage in adults.

Traces of mercury are found in nearly all fish and shellfish. Released through industrial pollution, mercury falls and accumulates in streams and oceans as a more toxic form, methyl mercury. This can pass through the blood barrier and into the placenta, posing a particular risk to pregnant women and children.

Mercury first came under suspicion during the mid-18th century, when hat makers used a mercury solution to separate fur from pelts. The symptoms associated with mercury poisoning is thought to have inspired the phrase "mad as hatter."

The 25-member EU is the world's biggest exporter of mercury, which is gradually being phased out by industry.

The EU said it would also continue to push for a worldwide agreement to reduce human and environmental exposure to mercury at a United Nations Environment Program meeting in February 2007.

With files by Association Press