IFCS/APRM/11-04
Draft Meeting Report
Inter-Governmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
Asia-Pacific Small Group Regional Planning Meeting
November 22-23, 2004
Manila, Philippines
1.0Opening
The IFCS Vice-President for Asia-Pacific, Dr. Antonio S. Lopez, Undersecretary of Health, Philippines welcomed the participants to the meeting. He noted that this the first time that the Philippines is hosting the Regional meeting since the country has been designated as IFCS Vice-President for the region. Dr. Lopez in his Opening Remarks recognized the intrinsic nature of the Asia-Pacific region which is characterized by a rich diversity of populations and cultures, a unique geography and countries at various stages of social and economic development. The VP also proposed to strongly advocate for the IFCS initiatives on acutely toxic pesticides, childrens’ environmental health; and occupational safety and health noting the pressing concerns and problems relative to the aforementioned initiatives in the region.
The small group meeting was convened by the IFCS-VP for the AP region since sufficient funds are not yet available to convene a Regional Meeting, comprising the regional FSC representatives and other interested countries and parties.
Dr. Myrna Cabotaje (PHI), IFCS Vice-President for AP introduced the participants to the meeting which included government, non-government organization, industry and international governmental representatives to the meeting.
2.0Adoption of the Agenda and Opening of the Session
Dr. Cabotaje presented the proposed agenda for the meeting which was subsequently adopted. A copy of the agenda and the list of participants are enclosed in Annex A.
3.0Overview of the IFCS
Dr. Sara Bjorkquist and Dr. Judy Stober presented an overview of the IFCS and the status of the IFCS and chemical safety management initiatives in the Asia-Pacific Region, respectively The report included an update on the ratification of the Stockholm and Rotterdam conventions in the region.
4.0Children’s Environmental Health (CEH)
Dr. Irma Makalinao, FSC-IFCS, discussed the unique vulnerabilities of children to various environmental exposures. She likewise informed the group that during a meeting on CEH held in Bangkok, Thailand in CY 2003, priority concerns for the region that were identified included metals (mercury, arsenic and lead), pesticides, air pollution, environmental tobacco smoke, drinking water contamination and substance abuse. She also cited the lack of toxicity data, safety factor component and incomplete toxicity studies for chronic and low dose exposures especially in the regulation and use of pesticides.
Priority areas identified included education and information sharing using the clearing-house concept among MDs and paramedical personnel on pediatric environmental health. There was a recommendation for 2-3 countries (PHI, Mal) to adopt and implement the EHC risk assessment methodology (WHO) to evaluate the exposure of chemicals among children which is expected to be released in 2005. Countries adopting the recommendation are expected to take the lead and share the applicability of the resource methodology as well as obtain insights on lessons learned with other Asian countries.
Mr. Teruyoshi Ehara (JPN) provided information on their experience pertaining to the mercury contamination of MinamataBay which affected the livelihood and health of the people. Dr. Stober suggested that the IFCS VP for AP obtain an update on the global mercury programme from UNEP.
5.0Globally Harmonized System
Mr. Tsuneyuki Ito, JETRO-Manila Office presented the GHS capacity building initiatives for ASEAN countries in the region. He informed that member economies of the APEC region agreed in May, 2002 to implement the GHS by the end of 2006, on a voluntary basis. Dr. John Haines of UNITAR also informed of the agency’s plan to support GHS initiatives in the region in terms of methodology, training, capacity building and financial assistance for 3 Asian countries. UNITAR would also sponsor a workshop at the sub-regional (ASEAN) level in CY 2005
It was agreed upon that private-public partnership with industry can provide additional resources for this initiative. Private sector participation is also encouraged through JETRO-assisted technical training programs in the region
Action points included the following (a) clarification as to the focal point agency in Japan as it was noted that several agencies were involved in the GHS implementation (particularly on GHS reporting), (b) submit a request to UN ECE subcommittee on GHS during the December, 2004 meeting to reach out to the members of the region to raise awareness and inform on GHS.
UNITAR has a multi-donor project to provide resources to promote implementation of GHS in at least two more countries; the process for applying will be shared through the national focal point to the designated committee.
6.0Occupational Health and Safety
Dr. Dulce-Estrella Gust, Executive Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Center-Department of Labor and Employment, Philippines presented the Chemical Safety in OSH Policies and Programmes initiated by the agency in collaboration and partnership within and among member countries in the ASEAN region.
Priority areas include information and technical services on OSH, medical surveillance and quantitative risk assessment which Japan was requested to lead in the training programs in the region.
Dr. Rocky Rowe (Croplife), provided information on industry initiatives specifically those on Responsible Care and indicated that the CropLife International member companies were committed to the FAO Code of Conduct on the distribution and use of pesticides which formed part of their membership requirements together with offer to provide all parties with the CropLife Product Stewardship guidelines.
Dr. Stober reminded the group that the AP region needs to identify the specific activities and initiatives that countries and others wish to cooperate on for the implementation of the priorities of action ; the activities should focus on those that can be undertaken and/or accomplished before Forum V.
Action Points: Utilize the existing regional structures and cooperation through the ASEAN OSHNET and JICA third Country Programme for fostering regional cooperation and linkages.
7.0Capacity Building/Widening Gap
Dr. Desiree Narvaez, FP-Phils., presented the Widening Gap initiatives of the IFCS. Primarily, countries and donor agencies are encouraged to integrate chemical safety issues into poverty reduction strategies, development assistance packages and national sustainable development strategies.
There was a recommendation from the group to prepare a statement/resolution from the delegates to communicate/convey IFCS and related issues during the ADB/WHO/UNEP sponsored High Level Meeting on Health and the Environment to be held in Manila from November 24-26, 2004.
Action Points included the following; (a) proposals to improved coordination between and among agencies through participatory mechanism, (b) development of the national profiles using GEF funds under the POPs enabling activity and , (c) campaign among countries lagging in terms of ratification of international conventions and (d) disseminate information on the international conventions to specific countries as may be recommended by public interest groups (e.g the island groups, Cambodia, etc.)
8.0 INFOCAP
Dr. Suchata Jinachitra (THAI), presented the thought starter on the INFOCAP to advocate for the use of the network in the region not only for information resource but integrated in the capacity building and development process. This will require a new mechanism both at the national and international levels. International activity may include active participation in the INFOCAP to bridge the widening gap while national activity would be made an integral part of National Profile development.
Dr. Bjorkquist (IFCS) and Dr. Romeo Quijano (PAN) provided an overview on the existing INFOCAP network for the Sound Management of Chemicals which can be accessed through the website ( . Additional information may be obtained through IFCS-WHO in Geneva.
Action Points included the following: (a) Identification of focal points/network point of contact to coordinate activities within the country (b) take the opportunity to present INFOCAP during international meetings in order to reach-out to other countries, (c) weblinks and data-sharing for collaborative action will be spearheaded by the public interest groups, (d) for the AP region to consider a joint training seminar at the national or sub-regional level to increase awareness and utilization on INFOCAP.(e) It was recommended that information on the current status of various capacity building work initiated in each country be reflected under the INFOCAP (i.e. Updating of the national profile of Thailand, current work done by governments on the ratification of the Stockholm/Rotterdam Conventions, etc.), for ready reference. (f) approach the European Union for additional assistance, awareness raising and training for the region
9.0Introduction of Day 2 session
Dr. Lynn Panganiban (PHI), Moderator for the day presented the main outcomes from Day 1.
10.0Acutely Toxic Pesticides
Dr. Romeo Quijano, PAN, presented the Forum IV recommendations on Acutely Toxic Pesticides specifically in terms of policy, regulatory and community actions. Dr. Nida Besbelli outlined the international agreements, programs, instruments and global initiatives on acutely toxic pesticides.
Dr. Rocky Rowe of CropLife stated that the Forum IV recommendations would cover all crop protection products and highlighted the FAO Code of Conduct as the way forward in pesticide management. Dr. Rowe also announced that CropLife was prepared to hold a multi-stakeholder workshop in the Asia-Pacific region through 2005 in order to consider alternatives, options and solutions in responding to pesticide poisoning incidents.
Action Points: (a) Proposed partnerships and linkages between and among countries in terms of policy, regulatory and community actions for acutely toxic pesticides. (b) Regional agreements for a community-based surveillance, reporting and monitoring of poisoning incidents affecting workers and communities would be undertaken by an adhoc group composed of Thailand, Philippines, IPEN and CropLife.or study the magnitude of Asia - Pacific regional problem on Acutely Toxic Pesticides by analysing existing data and information. (c) Another important agreement is on the expansion of awareness raising and promoting education, training appropriate to the public, health workers, agricultural workers and the communities (PHI, CHN, CropLife and IPEN).
11.0Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)
Ms. Shen Yingwa (CHN), discussed the overview of SAICM Preparatory Committee Meetings 1 and 2 held in Bangkok and Nairobi, respectively. She outlined the proposed high-level declaration, for consideration and presentation for discussion in the next SAICM PREPCOM meeting.
Action Points: (a) Preparation for the AP intersession SAICM meeting to be held before PrepCom3 re: review possible role of IFCS in the implementation, monitoring and operationalization of SAICM. (b) areas emphasized for incorporation in SAICM include industrial chemicals, science and research, and chemicals affecting the family (e.g. illegal drugs including clandestine laboratories, etc.)
12.0Chemical Weapons Convention/Illegal Traffic
Dr. MacArthur Corsino (PHI) presented the overview on the Chemical Weapons Convention which was opened for signature in January of 1993 with 130 states as signatories. Presently, 167 states have been able to ratify the Convention.
Action Point: Request support from the OPCW to supplement funds for sub-regional workshops on GHS for other countries other than ASEAN
13.0Summary of the Action Points, Consensus and Agreements
Realizing that countries are in various levels of involvement, mostly in awareness raising, hence the importance of this face to face meeting
PRIORITIES IDENTIFIEDREGIONAL INITIATIVES/Ad Hoc
CONSENSUSGroup
1.Acutely Toxic PesticidesEstablish community-basedThailand
surveillance, reporting and Philippines
monitoring of poisoning (coord)
incidents affecting workers IPEN
and the communitiesCroplife
Expand awareness raising,Philippines
and promote education, training China
appropriate to the public, CropLife
training health careworkers,IPEN
agricultural workers (coord)
and the communities
Study the magnitude of Asia– Thailand
Pacific regional problem on IPEN
ATP by analysing existing
Data and information.
- Children’s Environmental
Health
Awareness raising and sharing Thailand
Information through the VPPhilippines
For Asia-Pacific
Example given:
Thailand national Action Plan/
Japan/JETRO management of
mercury emission to the environment
Integrate Children’s envi.Malaysia
Health focusing on chemical safety
in the medical curriculum Philippines
IPEN
THAILAND
VIETNAM
- Occupational Safety and Health
Utililization of the existing Philippines
ASEAN-OSHNET/Thirdfor training
Country training programMalaysia (OSHNET)
Japan
(Hazard assessment)
CropLife
4.Widening GapStatement to the High level(to be
ADB/UNEP/WHO meeting discussed in
on health and environmentthe UNEP
mtg)
- Health and environment should
cooperate in developing ways
that chemical management
capacity building can be included
in development assistance and
poverty reduction strategies
Countries should be encouraged
to prepare /update their national
profile through the Stockhollm
Convention (using GEF funds)
Tools:
1. Globally Harmonized SystemAwareness on GHS Japan
-to be bring the concern UNITAR
of the ASIA Pacific on need
to increase awareness of GHS
to the UN ECE sub committee
meeting in Dec. 2004
(info on the activities of the committee
with Japan as official representative;
UNITAR to do it formally)
request support from the OPCW to
supplement funds for sub-regional
workshops for other countries other
than ASEAN
UNITAR has a multi donor
project to provide resources
to promote implementation
of GHS in at least two more
countries; the process for
applying will be shared through
the national focal point ad to
the designated sub-committee
UNITAR to do a workshop at the
sub-regional level in 2005 (ASEAN)
2.INFOCAPIdentification national points of Philippines
contact through the national
IFCS focal point
Promote/encourage awarenessJapan
and participation
in the region
Establishing weblinks andPAN Phil
Data sharing for collaborative
Action for public interest NGOs
Region to consider joint training Japan
seminar at national or sub-IPEN
regional level to increase
awareness and utilization
on INFOCAP
ensure that all countries have
submitted information to INFOCAP
particularly their national profile,
if it is not yet completed indicate
status
14.0Close of the Meeting
Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert, IFCS President thanked the participants for their active participation and inputs to the Regional Action Plan.
DIRECTORY OF PARTICIPANTS
IFCS ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL MEETING
22-23 November 2004
Manila
National Focal Points/Representatives
CHINA
MS. SHEN YINGWA
Deputy Director
State Environmental Protection Administration
ChemicalRegistrationCenter of SEPA
8 Dayangfang, Anwai,
Beijing 100012
P.R.China
Tel No: +86-10-8491 5168
Fax No:: +86-10-8491 5168
E-mail address:
JAPAN
MR. TERUYOSHI EHARA
Deputy Director, Office of Chemical Safety
MINISTRY OF HEALTH, LABOR AND WELFARE
1-2-2 Kasumegaseki, Chyoda-ku/Tokyo, 1008916
JAPAN
TEL NO: +81 03 35952298
FAX NO: +81 0335938913
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
PHILIPPINES
DR. ANTONIO S. LOPEZ
Undersecretary of Health
Department of Health
Manila
Telefax: +632 7814353
E-mail: ,
DR. MYRNA C. CABOTAJE
Director
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Department of Health
Manila
Telefax:+6327117846
E-mail:
DR. DESIREE M. NARVAEZ
Medical Officer VII
Environmental and Occupational Health Office
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Department of Health
Manila
Tel No. +632 7329966
E-mail:
SINGAPORE
MS. ROHAYA SAHAROM
Senior Engineer
Pollution Control Department
National Environment Agency
Singapore
Tel No: (+65) 67319654
Fax No: (+65) 67319651
e-mail:
THAILAND
MS. PORNPIT SILKAVUTE
IFCS National Focal Point
Food and Drug Administration
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road, Muang District
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel No. +66 2 590 7300-1
Fax No: +66 2 591 8483/66 2590 7287
E-mail:
MRS. SUCHATA JINACHITRA
Assistant Director
The Thailand Research Fund
14th floor, SM Tower,979/17-21
Paholyothin Road, Samsaen-nai, Phayathai,
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel No: +66-2298-0455 ext 107
Fax No: +66 2298-0476
E-mail:
MS NISA KAEWKAEMTHONG
Program Officer for Public Well Being Division
The Thailand Research Fund
14th floor, SM Tower,979/17-21
Praholyothin Road, Samsaen-nai, Phayathai,
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Tel No: +66-2298-0455 ext 121
Fax No: +66 2298-0455 ext 210
E-mail:
MS. AMORNRAT LEENANITHIKUL
Observer, Pharmacist
Food and Drug Administration
Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Tel No;+66-25907298
Fax No:+66-25908483
E-mail:
MS. THANAPORN SATTAPUTH
Observer, Pharmacist
Food and Drug Administration
Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
Tel No;+66-25907298
Fax No:+66-25908483
E-mail:
InterGovernmental Organizations:
DR. SUWIT WIBULPOLPRASERT
IFCS President
Office of the Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Public Health
Tiwanon Road
Nonthaburi 11000
Thailand
Tel: +66 2 590 1122
Fax : +66 2 591 8513
E-mail:
DR. JOHN HAINES
Senior Special Fellow
UNITAR/CWM;Palais Des Nations CH-1211,Geneva10;
Switzerland
Telephone:+41-22-9178470
Fax No: +41-229178047
E-Mail: hainesj@eurospan,com
DR. JUDY STOBER
Executive Secretary
IFCS
World Health Organization
Geneva Switzerland
Tel No:+41227913650/3873
Fax No:+41227914875
e-mail: ,
MS. SARA BJORKQUIST
Programme Officer
IFCS Secretariat
World Health Organization
20 Avenue, Appia
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel No: 4122 7914333
Fax No:
e-mail:
Science NGO
DR. IRMA MAKALINAO
Asia-Pacific Association of Medical Toxicologists
c/o Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
College of Medicine
UP-Manila
Tel No: +632 5264248/5218251
Fax No: +632 5264248
E-mail:
Public Interest NGOs
ROMEO F. QUIJANO
President
Pesticide Action Network Philippines
L2 B30 Salomentan St.
BF Executive Village, Las PiñasCity
1740 Philippines
Tel No:63-2 8050585
63-2 5261816
e-mail:,
JAYAKUMAR CHELATON
Director
THANAL-IPEN
L-14, Jawahar, Nagar, Kawdiar, Trivandrum, Kerala
India,695-003
Tel No:+91-471-2727150
Fax No: +91-471-27-27150
e-mail:
Manny C. Calonzo
Assistant Coordinator
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAA)
Unit 320, Eagle Court, 26 Matalino St. QC
Tel No: +632-9290376
Fax No:+6324364733
E-mail:
Industry Associations
MR. TSUNEYUKI ITO
Director
JETRO
Manila
Tel No:+632 8924376
Fax No:+632 8187490
Mr. Naoshi Sugawara
General Manager
Chemicals Management Department
Japan Chemical Industry Association
Sumitomo Rokko Bldg.
1-4-1 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104-0033, Japan
TEL: 03-3297-2567
FAX: 03-3297-2606
E-mail:
MR. CHAVENG CHAO
Secretary General
Chemicals Industry Club
Federation of Thai Industries
Tel No: +66 22327040
Fax No: +66 28377810
E-mail:
MR. ROCKY ROWE
International Chemical Policy Manager
Croplife International
143, Ave., Louise, Brussels 1050, Belgium
Tel No:+32 2541 1668 / +44 1235 772956
Fax No:+32 2542 0419
e-mail:/
Observers:
Dr. Dulce Estrella-Gust
Executive Director
Occupational Safety and Health Center
North Avenue, cor. Science Road Diliman, Quezon City
Tel No: +632 9286727
Fax No: +632 9296030
E-mail:
Dr. Agnes M. Tecson
Deputy Executive Director
Occupational Safety and Health center
North Avenue, cor, Science Road, Diliman, Quezon City