REPORT
of the IFCS Regional meeting of the CEE countries
Budapest, 25 – 26 September 2003
The meeting was organized and convened by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of State in Budapest to contribute to the work of FORUM IV which will meet in Bangkok in November 2003, in order to elaborate the subregional position.
The meeting was sponsored by the Hungarian Ministry of Health, Social and Family Affairs, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of State and the „Fodor József” National Center of Public Health.
Further financial support was provided by Borsodchem Plc, EGIS Pharmaceuticals Ltd, MAVESZ Hungarian Chemical Industry Association, MKMTSZ Association of Hungarian Cosmetics, Detergents, and Cleanser Industry, and MAGYOSZ Hungarian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of 13 countries: Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, CzechRepublic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russian Federation, SlovakRepublic, Slovenia, Ukraine. The meeting was further attended by Mr. Henrique Cavalcanti, the President of IFCS, Dr. Judy Stober, the Executive Secretary of IFCS, Dr. R. Koch (ICCA) and Dr. Jonathan Krueger (UNITAR). Mr. Rashid B. Mokhtari, member of FSC from Iran was also invited List of participants is enclosed as Annex 1.
Participants of the meeting expressed their gratitude to the staff of the Office of the Chief Medical officer of State and Professor György Ungváry, in particular, for the excellent preparatory work and organization of the meeting.
The meeting was officially opened by the IFCS President, Mr. Henrique Cavalcanti.
The participants were welcomed by Dr. Judy Stober, IFCS Executive Secretary, and Prof. Gyorgy Ungvary, IFCS Vice President and host of the meeting.
Mr. Karel Blaha (CzechRepublic) was elected as moderator/chairman of the meeting. Ms. Jana Kovacicova (Slovakia) and Dr. Aranka Hudak (Hungary) were elected as rapporteurs.
1. President’s Report
Mr. Cavalcanti presented his President’s Progress Report on the development between 2000 and 2003. In his introduction, he pointed out to the importance of consistently spreading the information on IFCS goals and activities beyond the professionally involved institutions and persons, so that IFCS becomes better known and understood by national political institutions and also by the general public. An important feature of the progress report was the identification of gaps and obstacles, as a way further to improve its work. The importance of SAICM as a newly emerging process bringing the chemical safety issues on higher level was stressed. As his personal observation, the President pointed to the fact that apart from illegal traffic, also other trade in dangerous chemicals in whole should be monitored. He also noted that the topics suggested by the regions or by the FSC (children’s health in relation to chemical safety, occupational health and safety), were included into FORUM IV agenda. The widening gap between developing vs. developed countries cannot be treated as a whole but should be rather approached on a case-by-case basis.
In the discussion, the question had been raised on the significance of legally binding international instruments in comparison with non-formal voluntary approaches. For the latter, the role of National Profiles and strong internal (in-county) commitment is considered essential.
2. Country Reports
Country reports for the 13 attending CEE countries were presented. Most of them were also submitted in written form.
It has been recognized by the Chairman and the Executive Secretary that the standard of the country reports improved greatly which indicates that in the CEE countries the chemical safety issues are increasingly better understood, the awareness of governments and governmental institutions elevated and practical steps are consistently being taken. The development is not completely uniform throughout the region but progress was achieved in all reporting countries.
In the discussion, the problem of education in chemical safety in CEE countries has been raised. In summary, it was recognized that in all countries of the region attending the meeting some sort of chemical safety/ecology education was introduced, mostly at university or post graduate level, but to some extent also at elementary and high school level. The representative of UNITAR informed the delegates of education activities in other world regions. Informal (out-of-school) education forms proved useful in some parts of the world.
3. Widening gap among countries
Mr. Mokhtari (FSC, Iran) introduced the problem of widening gap between the developed and developing countries. There are countries or even whole regions where chemical safety is inadequately tackled or even completely neglected, for different reasons. However, as chemical safety is a global problem, the developed countries must not go on and leave back those that have no equal possibilities. On the basis of Iran’s initiative, a Work Group was established to seek solution. Suggestions for addressing this problem are contained in a document prepared by Iran. Language barrier was indicated by the President as one part of the problem.
- Children and chemical safety
The topic was placed to the FORUM IV agenda by initiative of the CEE region. Working group headed by Prof. Ungvary was established by FSC. The WG prepared an information paper on the subject and a more concise decision paper to be submitted to FORUM IV. Both documents were circulated for input and comments in the CEE and other countries before finalization. The information paper was presented by Prof. Ungvary.
Dr. Stober summarised the issue and stressed it was necessary to spread the idea to other organizations dealing with children and chemicals.
In the discussion, Prof. Kurlyandskiy noted that a large amount of data on the subject are available in Russian language.
- SAICM
The Strategic Approach to International Management of Chemicals (SAICM) was introduced by Mr. Koch, the industry representative, and further discussed by Mr. Cavalcanti. For putting SAICM to life, IFCS should develop viable and practicable mechanism. The President considers negotiating international conventions as not sufficient for practical implementation of SAICM principles and explained IFCS role in the process and the ways how the process would be best completed.
Dr. Stober informed that different intergovernmental organizations including IFCS will take lead in the four action paragraphs of SAICM. It is essential to make the governments aware that all sectors (health, environment, et al.) have responsibilities. The governments are encouraged to have 3 representatives from 3 different sectors at the SAICM Preparatory meeting in Bangkok immediately following the FORUM IV. Views of national governments to SAICM should be brought together at the SAICM Preparatory meeting. The Chairman suggested that CEE countries present their common position with respect to SAICM.
- Globally Harmonization System of Chemical Classification and Labelling (GHS)
Current state of the GHS was presented by Mr. Krueger (UNITAR). Information will be available also from UNITAR booth at FORUM IV. It is envisaged that GHS should be globally implemented by 2008. It is planned that GHS be included in EU within the REACH system in 2004.
In the discussion, it was stressed that GHS would be easier to implement in the countries not having their own classification systems in place so far. Countries with currently existing classification systems will have to overcome some problems. Prof. Kurlyandskiy informed that Russia is prepared to adopt the GHS in general, however it will be further refined so as to accommodate the existing more detailed classification.
- Occupational Safety and Health
The topic was introduced by Dr. Stober who presented the Decision Paper for FORUM IV. Country reports of the Czech Republic and other participants summarised problems in this field that other central European countries share. In particular, it seems that occupational health problems are more pronounced in small and medium enterprises and for self-employed persons. Education of employers and employees could be one of possible solutions. Prof. Kurlyandskiy pointed out to specific situation in Russia where the legislation corresponds to internationally accepted standards but the enforcement is very inadequate. To improve the situation, it would be useful to develop a special strategy for the transition period, possibly with the IFCS assistance. It was also suggested that the approach proposed by Iran i.e. to work on a case-by-case basis be considered for different countries. In other countries of the region as well implementation of the legislations is a weak point. Indicators are needed to set priorities and rank the risks.
Prof. Ungvary called attention to the fact that occupational health in agriculture, as well as occupational health of people working in health sector should be also brought to attention to FORUM IV. These problem are not adequately treated in the Decision Document. The occupational health problems connected with illegal work and illegal migrants should be addressed as well.
Due to the importance of this problem, Mr. Cikrt (Czech Rep.) was asked to prepare an intervention paper in addition to the already existing Decision Document, to be presented at FORUM IV. The intervention paper will be prepared in close collaboration with other participating countries and should also include recommendations formulated by CEE countries.
- Hazard data generation
The topic was introduced by Lesley Onyon (IPCS). Gaps in hazard data on existing chemicals including the HPV chemicals are so deep that it is suggested to introduce this problem as a new priority at FORUM IV, including the availability of hazard data on chemicals to the public. Recommendations for governments to this end are prepared for FORUM IV.
Prof. Kurlyandskiy suggested that differentiated approach should be adopted for chemicals, not based solely on HPV list. Current priority lists are too large and selection should be done on the basis of existing information on professional poisonings/occupational diseases.
- Information systems, Information exchange
Dr. Stober presented detailed information on INFOCAP. Information leaflets were also distributed. Countries were encouraged to participate actively and supply information on their National Profiles, National Action Plans, etc. Mr. Blaha is the Steering Group contact for CEE.
Ms. Onyon informed of the IPCS toxicological and chemical information system.
Dr. Tompa introduced the chemical safety information system established in Hungary. Dr. Hudak presented the information on the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) programme of IPCS. ICSC are currently being translated into many national languages, using standard phrases.
10. PRTR
Dr. Kozák presented a detailed information on Hungary's activities in EPER (European Pollution and Emission Register. Dr. Ciraj (Slovenia) informed on Slovenia's participation in the PRTR system.
Mr Blaha gave a detailed overview on the history of the PRTR system and outlined the future expectations of establishing a freely accessible, searchable, database that can be linked to other databases.
Mr. Krueger (UNITAR) gave information on UNITAR's plans to facilitate the active participation of the countries in the PRTR system. Establishment of a “virtual classroom” is envisaged to support national efforts to design and implement PRTR systems. The methods will include document posting and exchange, virtual PRTR library, discussion boards, websites, learning courses.
Prof. Kurlyandskiy raised the problem of some countries lacking the knowledge how to install the PRTR system.
Mr. Krueger (UNITAR) noted that the “virtual classroom” will help these countries in solving the problem.
11. Acutely toxic pesticides
The Decision Document on this topic was presented by Dr. Stober. Poisonings with pesticides in users, especially small farmers, are of concern in developing and transition countries.
Information form country reports: in Belarus, pesticide poisonings are often connected to improper labelling. Russia has a positive list of registered pesticides, old stocks of obsolete pesticides are identified and possible ways of disposal are being investigated. DDT stocks are still kept for possible use for the control of ticks as biological vectors of encephalitis. In Hungary, safe use of pesticides by small farmers is a problem, along with illegal import of unregistered pesticides. In Slovenia, restrictions on import tend to conflict with the requirements for ensuring free movement of goods and may be regarded as trade barrier.
12. Representation of the CEE Region between Forum IV and Forum V
Mr. Cavalcanti, the President of IFCS gave information on technical issues such as the free choice of countries regarding the region they wish to belong and on the election process.
The President outlined also the role of the Vice Presidents, and the requirements, they are expected to meet and asked the countries to think about their preferences regarding the coming election.
Prof. Ungváry, Vice President stressed that language skills, financial background, support from the government are essentials for vice presidents to be able to perform the duties. Existence of an intersectoral committee is a great support in this work.
The Vice President of IFCS for the CEE Region noted that because he served the third term as IFCS Vice President (and the leader of the Region) on behalf of Hungary and because Hungary will host Forum V in 2005-2006, in the next term another country shall overtake the post held by Hungary (Prof. Ungvary).
Prof. Kurlyandskiy noted that Russia is in favour of a representative from an eastern country in the future. The countries in accession to the European Union (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia)mentioned that they are challenged by the new situation, as members of the EU, to join to other region than the CEE Region in the future. The respective countries will take their decisions individually taking into account their specific situation. However, whatever their final decision may be, most of the accession countries feel that their collaboration with the CEE region should continue either on regular or on a case-by-case basis. As Slovenia put it, “we are needed in this Region to ensure chemical safety”.
- Preparation of Hungary for Forum V. Dr. Tompa and Prof. Ungvary gave information on the subject.
- Closing of the meeting Dr. Stober, Executive Secretary and Mr. Cavalcanti, President expressed their thanks to Prof. Ungváry, Vice President for the CEE Region for his and his country's hospitality.
Mr. Cavalcanti noted that every regional meeting was a step forward in achieving IFCS objectives in the Region.
Budapest, 26 September 2003
Dr. Aranka Hudak (Hungary) Ms. Jana Kovacicova (Slovakia)
rapporteur rapporteur