LUNCH-TIME PRESENTATIONS
Sunday, 2 November to Thursday, 6 November 2003
at
12.00 to 12.50
On each of these days, Forum IV participants are invited to informal presentations on
special topics, as outlined in the attached pages.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
FORUM IV
LUNCH TIME PRESENTATIONS – SCHEDULE
DAY
Sunday, 2 Nov 2003
TITLE
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS –
PANEL PRESENTATIONS
SPONSOR
Co-organized by:
PAN – R. Quijano
SCOPE/IUPAC – W. Klein
IPCS – T. Meredith
Sunday, 2 Nov 2003
ACUTELY TOXIC PESTICIDES –
THE PERSPECTIVE OF INDUSTRY
CROPLIFE – R. Holt
Monday, 3 Nov 2003
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
NETWORK ON CAPACITY
BUILDING FOR THE SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICALS
(INFOCAP) Steering Group
M.KERN, CHAIR INFOCAP
STEERING GROUP, GERMANY
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003
HAZARD DATA REPOSITORY –
INITIAL WORK/IDEAS
ICCA – G. Lloyd
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003
TITLE TO BE GIVEN
SWISS DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003
CHILDREN & CHEMICAL SAFETY – WHO – J. PRONCZUK
HOW TO TAKE ACTION
ISDE –
APAMT -
Thursday, 6 Nov 2003
REVIVING THE MINAMATA DISEASE THAILAND S. WIBULPOLPRASERT &
P. SILKAVUTH
Thursday, 6 Nov 2003
WORLD LIBRARY OF
TOXICOLOGY, CHEMICAL SAFETY
AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Thursday, 6 Nov 2003
TOXICOLOGY &
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
INFORMATION PROGRAM,
NLM, NIH , USA
– P. WEXLER
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR
C. SCHONWALDER –
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN
FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
CHAIR
AND EPIDEMIOLOGY FROM THE US NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF
HEALTH, USA
HEALTH
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2003
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS – PANEL PRESENTATIONS
Co-organized by: PAN – R. Quijano; SCOPE/IPUC – W. Klein; IPCS – T. Meredith
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and the Precautionary Principle
R. Quijano, Pesticide Action Network
There is increasing evidence that many synthetic chemicals interfere with complex
hormonal messenger systems. These endocrine disrupting chemicals include pesticides,
industrial chemicals and by-products, chemicals in consumer products and many other
synthetic substances. Exposure to these chemicals occur through direct contact or
inhalation in the workplace or at home, or through ingestion of contaminated water or
food. Even exttremely low levels of exposure can result in serious damage to human
health and the environment such as reproductive abnormalities, damage to the immune
system, abnormal growth and development, neurologic and other organ system
dysfunction, and other health problems. This problem is a concern of everyone. We
ought to minimize or eliminate exposures to these dangerous chemicals that are
undermining the survival of all living organisms in this planet. The Precautionary
Principle must be the basis for policy decisions and actions. Responsible action to protect
health and the environment from suspected endocrine disrupting chemicals must be
instituted urgently without waiting for definitive scientific proof that would establish
cause and effect relationship. Until we shift the burden of proof from the affected
communities to those responsible for putting out these hazardous chemicals into the open
environment, unnecessary exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals will continue to
prevail.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2003
Endocrine Disruptors – Panel Presentations
Co-organized by: PAN – R. Quijano; SCOPE/IPUC – W. Klein; IPCS – T. Meredith
SCOPE/IUPAC Project on Implications of Endocrine Active Substances For Humans
and Wildlife
W. Klein, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Germany
The comprehensive SCOPE/IUPAC project on EASs has just been completed resulting in
a publication in Pure and Apllied Chemistry, and a number of research and management
recommendations provided in an executive summary. The major conclusions include:
“It is well established that certain substances can interact with components of the
endocrine system and produce adverse health effects. One important question is whether
low levels of exposure pose any appreciable risk. Although low levels of some EAS are
already known to have caused adverse effects in some wildlife species, the reported
pervasiveness of effects attributable to low doses of some synthetic EAS invites
validation. Failures in the past to provide full and complete data sets for scientific expert
panel analysis cannot be perpetuated, because such actions impact the integrity and
credibility of the research. Furthermore, the risk management implications of low dose
effects are potentially substantial and warrant careful scientific replication. Although the
human and ecological consequences of ED may not be as universal as some have feared,
there are sufficient examples and biological plausibility to leave little basis for
complacency in the research community. Future well-designed research, encompassing
temporal, spatial and taxonomic trends, exploring multiple mechanisms of action, and
clarifying interactions between endocrine and other (nervous, immune) systems, will
elucidate the magnitude of the problem, identify target substances of concern, and
advance our knowledge of human and wildlife health. In cases where there is
documented scientific evidence based upon valid studies of serious and irreversible
damage, but some degree of scientific doubt, it may be important to consider
implementing interim precautionary measures or risk management actions that may avert
harm, while ongoing research fills the knowledge gap. Risk assessment techniques that
apply additional safety factors to make up for the lack of information and uncertainty of
the quality of the database or suspected greater sensitivity of a subpopulation is an
example of such a precautionary approach. Where biological systems appear welladapted to perturbations, a graded intervention may be acceptable. To tackle these
problems, the Intergovernment Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) should therefore
initiate integrated global management of the ED issue.”
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2003
Endocrine Disruptors – Panel Presentations
Co-organized by: PAN – R. Quijano; SCOPE/IPUC – W. Klein; IPCS – T. Meredith
Global assessment of the state-of-the-science of endocrine disruptors
T. Meredith, International Programme on Chemical Safety, WHO
In 1997, the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) was requested by the
Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety to undertake a global assessment of the
current state of scientific knowledge relative to environmental endocrine disruption. The
report was published in August 2002 and is the result of a global comprehensive review
of the publicly-available scientific literature on EDCs. The assessment is unique in
providing a global perspective on the endocrine disruptor issue, and in providing a
framework by which strength-of-the-evidence analysis can be performed to determine
whether there is a causal association between an adverse biological effect and exposure to
an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). The report concludes that there is sufficient
evidence that adverse effects have occurred as a result of exposure to EDCs in some
wildlife species, though the evidence that human health has been adversely affected is
generally weak. Because of continuing concerns and scientific uncertainties, studies on
the potential effects posed by these chemicals should remain a high global priority
requiring coordinated and strengthened international research strategies. There is, in
particular, an urgent need for studies in vulnerable populations, and especially in infants
and children, since exposure during critical developmental periods may have irreversible
effects. Progress made in such research will be assessed at an IPCS workshop planned
for November 2003 in Tokyo, Japan.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2003
Acutely Toxic Pesticides
CropLife – R. Holt
Myth and Fact about “Acutely Toxic Pesticides”: An Industry Perspective
R. Holt, CropLife, USA
When applied properly, pesticides can be used without undue risk to people and the
environment.
When used improperly, serious adverse effects could occur. The
members of CropLife International are committed to continued vigorous product
stewardship initiatives to address problems involving the misuse of pesticide products.
Relying on questionable data and using selective information sources can lead to
misleading conclusions concerning the severity of problems associated with the use of
pesticides in developing countries. A balanced analysis and presentation of information
concerning both risks and benefits resulting from the use of pesticides will support the
appropriate decision for agricultural production in developing countries and encourage
avoidance of unwarranted restrictions on product choice.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
MONDAY, 3 NOVEMBER 2003
Information Exchange Network on Capacity Building for the Sound
Management of Chemicals (INFOCAP)
M. Kern, GTZ, Germany, Steering Group Chair
Lead Sponsors: IFCS, EC, ECB, UNITAR, OECD
This lunch presentation will inform Forum IV participants about the type of information
available through INFOCAP, how to access and use this information, and how to
contribute information to the network. A demonstration of the web site will be given.
The Third Session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety supported the
development of an Information Exchange Network on Capacity Building for the Sound
Management of Chemicals (INFOCAP).
The objective of INFOCAP is to enhance effective coordination and cooperation among
countries and organizations which are providing or receiving assistance related to the
sound management of chemicals.
INFOCAP provides the following five services related to chemicals management
capacity building needs:
 Information regarding National Profiles, Priorities/Related Needs, and Action
Plans
 Sources of Potential Support
 Information regarding Past, On-going and Planned Projects
 Training/Guidance Documents
 Network Points of Contact
During this lunch presentation, participants will be introduced to the services available
through INFOCAP and the functions of the web site will be demonstrated.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
TUESDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2003
Hazard data respository – initial work/ideas
ICCA – G. Lloyd
Abstract to be distributed at Forum IV.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
TUESDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2003
Swiss Development Corporation
To arrive shortly.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
TUESDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2003
Children and Chemical Safety – How to take Action
Co-organized by:
WHO – J. Pronczuk
ISDE APAMT –
Abstract to be distributed at Forum IV.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
Thursday, 6 November 2003
Reviving the Minamata Disease
Sponsored by: Thailand – S. Wilbulpoprasert & P. Silkavute
Scientific Revival of Minamata Disease – Prof. Hajima Nishimura
Methyl mercury from Chisso’s acetaldehyde process is known to have caused Minamata
disease. Though it was confirmed by a cat feeding experiment using the waste from the
process, the production of methyl mercury in the acetaldehyde process itself has never
been confirmed in industrial chemistry. The mechanism of formation and its rate have
never been investigated. A prevailing view on the proportionality of methyl mercury and
acetaldehyde is a rude conjecture. This produced two puzzling questions: why Minamata
disease abruptly started in 1953, after 20 years of safe operation of the acetaldehyde
process, and why was it only Chisso that caused Minamata disease while 7 factories in
Japan and 20 factories in the world were producing acetaldehyde utilizing the same
process as Chisso’s. After 30 years of persistent investigation I could finally solve these
riddles by discovering the precise relations how the formation of methyl mercury in
reactor and the release from reactor depends on the operating conditions Now we can
revive the abrupt occurrence of Minamata disease by simulation.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2003
World Library of Toxicology, Chemical Safety and Environmental Health
Philip Wexler, Toxicology & Environmental Health Information Program, National
Library of Medicine, Nation Institutes of Health, USA
For nearly forty years, the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) Toxicology
and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) has been a significant
leader in organizing and providing public access to an extensive storehouse
of toxicological information through its online databases. With the advent
of the Internet, TEHIP has expanded its role to also serve as a pre-eminent
portal to toxicological information worldwide. This presentation will
provide an overview of TEHIP's activities and its TOXNET system. Also
highlighted will be the prototype for a World Library of Toxicology,
Chemical Safety, and Environmental Health, offering global links to
resources of individual countries and inter-governmental organizations.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand
THURSDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2003
Grant Opportunities for Collaborative Research in Environmental Toxicology
and Epidemiology from the US National Institutes of Health
C. Schonwalder, NIH. USA
Issues in environmental health know no borders. A major goal of the US National
Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
(NIEHS) and Fogarty International Center (FIC) is to gain research information
relevant to public health policy decisions. Often the best opportunities involve
potential collaborative research between established investigators and researchers in
developing countries with special research opportunities. These might include unique
well-documented human exposures or genetic uniformity that can be used to directly
determine presence or lack of hazards of human exposures. Collaborative basic and
molecular research is also considered.
This presentation will describe the goals of the programs and discuss specific support
mechanisms for research funding. The importance of good grant application writing
will be stressed and sources of additional program information described.
FORUM IV
Fourth Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
1-7 November 2003, Bangkok, Thailand