IFCS/FSC/06.37
69th Forum Standing Committee Meeting/Teleconference
28 June 2006
MEETING REPORT
PARTICIPANTS
Member: Officer/Government/Organization
Participants & Advisors
President:
President’s office:
President’s Special
Advisers:
Thailand
Thailand
Dr S. Wibulpoprasert
Ms P. Silkavute
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Sweden
Canada
Japan
Dr G. Bengtsson
Mr R. Hickman
Dr T. Ehara
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Tanzania
Prof. J. Katima (Co-Chair)
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Adviser to VP Africa:
Nigeria
Mrs A. Olanipekun
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Asia & Pacific:
Philippines
Eng. A. Rivero for Dr E. Nieto
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CEE:
Russian Federation
Prof. B. Kurlyandskiy
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LAC:
Chile
Mr J. Monreal Urrutia
WEOG:
U.S.A.
Mr C. Auer
Mr C. Blunck
Mr J. Shoaff
Mr W. Allen
Ms A. Bandemehr
Ms Diane Beal
Vice-Presidents:
Africa:
Participated
Absent
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Past President:
Brazil
Mr H. Cavalcanti
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Africa Region:
Guinea
Zimbabwe
Mr M. Sylla
Ms N.F. Mondoh
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Asia & Pacific:
Fiji
Iran
Ms V. Naidu
Mr S. Mousavi (for
Ambassador S.S.R. Tabatabaei)
Ms Yingwa Shen for
Ms Wenchao Zang
China
CEE:
Kazakhstan
Slovenia
Mr Z. Bekzhanov
Dr M. Ciraj
LAC:
Costa Rica
Suriname
Ing F. Paredes
Dr J.F.M. De Kom
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IFCS/FSC/06.37
WEOG:
Australia
Dr Barry Reville
Mr Lee Eeles
Canada
Dr S. Clarkson
Dr M. Brownstein
Ms Sheryl Bellard
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Prof. Dr. U. Schlottmann
Dr M. Dreyer
Dr G. Karlaganis (Switzerland)
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OECD
Dr R. Visser
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IOMC Secretariat
Dr T. Meredith
Ms C. Vickers
UNEP
UNIDO
Dr M. Gubb
Mr M. Eisa
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Industry
Public Interest
Ms K. Kunzer
Dr R. Quijano
Mr J. Weinberg
Ms Saro Rengam
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Labour
Mr Bjorn Erikson
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Science
Dr Irma Makalinao
Prof. R. Awang
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Dr Zoltan Szabo
Dr Aranka Hudak
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Dr J.A. Stober
Dr J. Tickner
Dr K. Shea
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Germany
Advisor/alternate
IOMC
Chair, IOCC:
IOMC organizations
NGOs
FORUM IV host::
Hungary
IFCS Secretariat:
Advisor
Advisor
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IFCS/FSC/06.37
3.0
Introduction
The President welcomed members and other participants to the teleconference.
3.1
Acceptance of Agenda (IFCS/FSC/06.31)
The proposed agenda was adopted.
3.2
Acceptance of Record of 68h meeting (IFCS/FSC/06.30)
The record was accepted.
4.0
Forum V Planning
S. Clarkson noted that the title for Forum V agenda item 8 did not correspond with the title of the
side event on heavy metals and did not reflect what the session was addressing. The Secretariat
explained that the title was approved by the FSC at its March 2006 meeting and that the content
of the session as agreed by the FSC would be clearly stated in the annotated agenda.
4.1
Plenary/Decision Items

Forum V Plenary Open Information/Discussion Session on Applying Precaution in the
Context of Chemical Safety (IFCS/FSC/06.25)
J. Tickner provided an update on the preparatory work being undertaken by the WG. The process
of collecting background information via a structured questionnaire and targeted interviews had
begun. FSC members were encouraged to respond to the request for information. No comments
or questions were made.

Toys and Chemical Safety (IFCS/FSC/06.34)
The Secretariat presented the Thought Starter prepared by the WG informing on the
process used to develop the paper and providing an overview of its structure and contents. She
stressed that the Thought Starter was not intended to be a comprehensive review, but a solid basis
to stimulate discussion. The difficulty in obtaining information from developing countries and
CIET was noted and FSC members were requested to consult with constituencies and provide any
reference material available.
A number of members wanted children and chemical safety issues other than toys to be
mentioned (artisanal gold mining (because children are involved), clothing, drinking cups). The
Secretariat noted the "struggle" the WG went through to stay focused on toys and that while all
the issues were important - they were not the agreed focus of the session and that Forum IV had
address the broader issues.
M. Brownstein commented that the relative magnitude of problem (1%) would indicate it is not a
major problem. He said there were some errors in the information on Canada and he will send
corrections and nominate someone to work with the WG on the revisions. B. Kurlyandskiy stated
that Russia has good norms on toys and would provide copies.
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IFCS/FSC/06.37
The FSC agreed that it would be necessary to prioritize the extensive list of questions before
Forum V to bring focus to the discussion.
The FSC agreed to submit suggest revisions/additions in writing by 4 July 2006. A revised
version will be prepared by K. Shea in consultation with WG and Secretariat based on input by 10
July 2006.

The Sound Management of Chemicals and Poverty Reduction (IFCS/FSC/06.27)
M. Dreyer briefly introduce the draft thought starter indicating that questions that had been
drafted to stimulate discussion rather than draft recommendations for the consideration of Forum
V. The WG had not been successful in getting case studies and other information from
developing countries. The President enquired on the status of the Thai study and P. Silkavaute
responded that it was not yet complete. If finished in time it would be made available to Forum V
participants.
Comments from the NGO perspective were provided by S. Rengam (public interest) and B.
Erikson (labour). FSC members were requested to submit suggest revisions/additions in writing
by 30 June 2006. A revised version will be prepared by M. Dreyer, WG Chair by 7 July 2006.
The Secretariat will have document edited.
M. Dreyer informed the FSC that L. Goldman was confirmed as a speaker for the plenary session
and M. Neira as the facilitator. Proposals were sought from the FSC for individuals from
developing country who could present first hand experience in the development assistance and
poverty reduction area. It was suggested that M. Dreyer contact the World Bank and UNDP staff.
4.2
Opening Session
4.2.1 Update on planning and organization of session including keynote speakers
(IFCS/FSC/06.36)
P. Silkavute informed the FSC that all efforts to contact Prof Wangari had been unsuccessful. The
FSC agreed to leave room in the programme should a positive response be received from Prof
Wangari, but to move forward with other keynote speakers. The Secretariat presented a proposal
for two keynote speakers: the CEO or other high level official of Kaiser Permanente, California
and Dr P. Landrigan, Professor and Chairman, Department of Community & Preventive
Medicine, Mt Sinai. The former would provide an address on an innovative chemicals
management programme and policy of a down stream user; the latter would present the growing
body of evidence that toxic exposures in the environment are important causes of disease and
dysfunction in children and across the entire life span. S. Rengam presented a proposal for 3
speakers from grassroots organization in the Philippines, Colombia and Mozambique. Each
speaker would present the work she has been doing at the community level to address a particular
chemicals related issue or problem.
FSC agreed to invite the following speakers/presentations
- Kaiser Permanente, CEO or other high level official (Kaiser Environmental Stewardship
Council and internal chemicals strategy etc.)
- Phil Landrigan: "Early Exposures, Chronic Disease and Sustainable Development" forward looking presentation based on substantive evidence going beyond Forum IV
Information paper on Children and Chemical Safety
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IFCS/FSC/06.37
- grassroots' woman working on chemical safety activities - 1 or 2 presentations from A.
Langpawan, Y. Rojas or A. Lemos. S. Rengam will discuss with the women possible
presentations and send abstracts of proposals for 1 or 2 presentations by 8 July 2006.
The FSC agreed that the Secretariat and President will take responsibility for organizing
the Opening Session. FSC will be kept informed via email.
4.2.2 Award of Merit (IFCS/FSC/06.35)1
J. Katima introduced the meeting document and recommendations. The FSC considered
the recommendations of the Prize committee (IFCS Officers) and agreed with the
recommendation that both R. Hickman and U. Schlottmann should each be presented
with the IFCS Award of Merit in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the goals of
international chemical safety
4.2.3 FCS Special Recognition Award (IFCS/FSC/06.35)
J. Katima introduced the meeting document and recommendations. The FSC considered
the recommendations of the Prize committee (IFCS Officers) and agreed with the
recommendation that Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol of
Thailand and the Chulabhorn Research Institute be presented with the award in recognition of
exceptional work to increase scientific and technical capacities and capabilities for chemical safety.
4.3 Forum V - Plenary sessions, ad hoc WG and meeting report responsibilities of lead sponsors
(WG Chair) and rapporteur (IFCS/FSC/06.33)
The Secretariat reviewed the lead sponsors' roles and responsibilities for the preparation of
plenary sessions, documents produced during the session and the Forum V meeting report. These
had been instituted as IFCS working procedures by the FSC and Forum in preparation and at
Forum II. No questions were raise. The Secretariat would be assisting each lead sponsor as
needed.
FSC members were reminded to send nominations for rapporteur to secretariat by 1
September 2006.
4.4
Side events (IFCS/FSC/06.28 rev 2)
The Secretariat updated the FSC on information that had bee received on planned side events.
One new side event - UNIDO activities on chemicals - has been added to the Forum V
programme. Two proposals are still pending (from Jack Weinberg & Bjorn Erikson).The schedule
will be finalized by the sponsors when information on field trips is received from host
government/organizers. The 2 side events scheduled for Thursday lunchtime may be held at
different times if the field trips begin immediately following plenary conclusion Thursday
morning. R. Visser reminded the FSC of the IOMC request that the GHS event be scheduled on
Wednesday 27 September and that no other events be scheduled in parallel.
1
U. Schlottmann excused himself from the meeting for this agenda item
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IFCS/FSC/06.37
4.5
Forum V Pre-registration and Twinning
The Secretariat provided an update on pre registrations, request for travel assistance and
contributions and pledges to the Twining Fund. The deadline for requesting Twinning assistance
was 30 June and the Secretariat would be able to evaluate the funding situation in early July.
5.
SAICM - ICCM
M. Gubb provided an update on the implementation of SAICM including planning for regional
meetings and the 18 August 2006 deadline for 1st round application to the QSP Trust Fund. He
referred the FSC to the SAICM web site for more detailed information.
6.
Other Business
The Secretariat referred to the letter from Dr Visser, OECD concerning the Twenty-third SIDS
Initial Assessment Meeting "inviting IFCS to co-ordinate nominations of non-OECD experts to
participate in the meeting with IPCS and UNEP Chemicals" and "also inviting the Executive
Secretary, IFCS, to "nominate for each country represented, a single contact point which will act
as a focal point between the expert(s) for this and other SIAMS and the OECD Secretariat." She
requested R. Visser to clarify the latter request and in particular if there was any action required
by the FSC beyond the joint letter that was sent by IFCS, IPCE and UNEP Chemicals in
September 2003 at the request of the 34th OECD Joint Chemicals Meeting to all IFCS NFPs. R.
Visser informed the FSC that the letter and process was not new and had been on going for 3
years. He reiterated that OECD does not provide funds to support participation.
7.
Next Meeting
6 September 2006 12h00 GMT
24 September 2006 14h00 - 15h00 CET (Budapest)
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