Titelbnlatt Für Sommer Newsletter
Medichem 2002 Board Elections
In the envelope containing this Newsletter, Medichem Members will receive the ballot form for this year's Board Elections. It is a pleasure to announce that there are more experts who have submitted their candidacies than we have vacancies. This indicates a continuously high interest in Medichem and I am very happy about this.
Dear Members, please show your personal interest in Medichem by casting your vote, either by fax or mail.
To be valid, the ballot form must reach the Secretary no later than August 31st, 2002. Only Medichem members in good standing may vote. Forms coming from anonymous voters have to be considered void. It goes without saying that the names of those voting will only be used to identify voters as members in good standing and will be known to no-one other than the Secretary.
I would like to thank you in advance for your kind co-operation.
The following seven Board Members arrive at the end of their terms of office in September 2002: Louis Bloemen, William Coombs, Sam Guirguis, Yoshiro Kudo, Wai-Hoong Phoon, Alan Reid, and Les Yee. Board members can be re-elected without restriction of terms.
Louis Bloemen, William Coombs, Wai-Hoong Phoon, and Alan Reid have announced that they would no longer be available as candidates. On behalf of Medichem, I would like to express our sincere thanks to these four colleagues for their engagement in the past. I trust that they will continue to support Medichem in the future.
For the seven seats to be filled, the Secretary has received nominations for eight candidates: Peter Boogaard (Shell International, Netherlands), Robert Garnier (Hôpital Fernand Widal, France), Jiin Ger (Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan), Samir Guirguis (Canada), Yoshiro Kudo (Japan), Frank Rose (ICI Corporate Centre, UK), Hans van der Merwe (Polifin Limited, South Africa), and Leslie Yee (Procter & Gamble, USA).
In conclusion: please vote for at least one and no more than seven of the eight Board election candidates.
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
(Ludwigshafen, Germany)
Honorary President:
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Alfred M. Thiess
Chairman:
Dr. Stephen W. Borron
International Toxicology Consultants, LLC
2000 L Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036-4924 (USA)
Phone: +1-202-588-0620
Fax: +1-202-478-0444
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Secretary:
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
BASF AG
GOA/WS, H 306
D-67056 Ludwigshafen (Germany)
Phone:+49-621-604 2833
Fax: +49-621-609 3645
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Treasurer:
Dr. Andreas Flückiger (Switzerland)
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Board Members:
Dr. L.J.N.G.M. Bloemen (Netherlands)
Prof. M. Cikrt (Czech Republic)
Dr. W.M. Coombs (South Africa)
Dr. S.S. Guirguis (Canada)
Dr. N.F. Humphry (Australia)
Prof. O. Jahn (Austria)
Prof. Y. Kudo (Japan)
Dr. T. Wai-Hoong Phoon (Singapore)
Prof. T. Popov (Bulgaria)
Dr. T. Rajgopal (India)
Prof. K. Rydzynski (Poland)
Dr. A. R. Reid (U.K.)
Dr. S.O. Salomon (Argentina)
Prof. F.W. Schmahl (Germany)
Dr. Leslie M. Yee (USA)
Medichem Newsletter July 2002, Pg 1
Editorial:
About Good Guys
and Bad Guys
In this issue of the Medichem Newsletter, some topics are addressed which pertain to the relations between society, scientific community, and industry. I always tended to believe that the latter two are part of the former, and that there is no clear-cut distinction between the three entities. I picture myself a scientist who is an industry employee and at the same time member of my local community. I send my children to school, buy my supplies in the supermarket around the corner, and am dependent upon the same healthy living conditions as everybody else is.
Therefore, I am always intrigued by the point of view expressed by some people (see "WHO maintains..."). They seem to divide the world into "bad guys" who have sacrificed their humanitary beliefs and principles on the altar of their companies' profits on one hand, and into "good guys" with obviously no dependencies, obligations, and personal interests whatsoever, acting as free as birds, but with more wisdom, insight and responsibility than these, on the other hand. If you ever move from e.g. a university appointment into an industry contract (as I did some six years ago), you automatically switch from the good guys to the bad ones.
I deeply regret this painting the world in black and white. I am certainly not naive enough to simply reject the possibility that some companies might sometimes pursue their economic interests by trying to influence the statements and policies of scientific societies and authorities against available evidence. Such behaviour is clearly unethical and may even be criminal, in any case it is short-sighted and far from sustainable. However, I also doubt the alleged independence and objectivity of some researchers who always and everywhere act as proponents of standpoints which are - cautiously phrased - scientifically not unanimously accepted. Is a series of advertisements about children's health an expression of warranted concern or is it fund-raising, accomplished through scaremongering (see Children's Health...)?
Medichem has traditionally hosted members from universities, industry, as well as independent consultants and "freelancers". It is living proof that all these groups can fruitfully work together, and can take on responsibility for the society, part of which they are. The activity which is reported below (see "Memorandum...") is one expression of this responsible attitude.
I am aware that the questions addressed in this issue may lead to some controversy. They are not intended to dispute the moral integrity of those with opinions deviant from my own. However, I dare to ask their respect for my position in kind.
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
Ludwigshafen (Germany)
Memorandum of Understanding
between ACOEM and Medichem
On May 30th, 2002, a "Memorandum of Understanding" between Medichem and ACOEM was signed by Edward J. Bernacki, President of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Stephen W. Borron, Chairman of Medichem.
This memorandum shall provide for voluntary assistance by members of each organization to the other in the event of a disaster involving chemicals, wherever it might occur. Following the Medichem Officers' Meeting in Paris on May 3rd, 2002, this agreement was discussed at length between the Medichem Board members and it was agreed by the majority that such an accord provides a framework for cooperation that will be very good for Medichem, as well as for ACOEM. Especially, it is seen as a possibility to demonstrate Medichem's committment to the principles of Responsible Care. Of course, individual participation in this agreement is completely voluntary and there is no legally binding committment intended nor made.
You are provided here with the full text of this memorandum and its annex in order to enable you to reach your own conclusions about its purpose and consequences.
Medichem Newsletter July 2002, Pg 1
The text of the memorandum is as follows:
"Preamble
Whereas, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medichem are both professional organizations concerned with occupational health in the use and production of chemicals, and that furthermore, they are each concerned with the prevention and appropriate treatment of illness arising in populations which may become exposed to chemicals in the course of natural or man-made disasters;
And
Whereas, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medichem are comprised of health and safety professionals from around the globe capable of rendering expert advice in the domains of occupational and environmental health and chemical safety in the event of such disasters;
And
Whereas, the members of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medichem have expressed a willingness to provide assistance to each other in the event of such disasters to the extent to which they are individually disposed to do so:
Therefore be it
Resolved, that the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medichem joins in signing this memorandum of understanding regarding Mutual Aid in the Event of Disasters Involving Chemicals this 30th day of May 2002."
Signed by
Edward J. Bernacki, MD, MPH, President American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Stephen W. Borron, MD, MS, Chairman Medichem
The Memorandum of Understanding is accompanied by the following Annex:
" This memorandum should be considered solely as an indication of a spirit of cooperation between the members of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medichem for the provision of professional assistance during the course of disasters involving chemicals. Nothing herein whatsoever shall be construed as a legal obligation or contract on the part of either organization or their individual members to provide such assistance.
Neither the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine nor Medichem warrants the information provided by their individual members as being authoritative, state-of-the-art, or in any way certified by either of their organizations. Furthermore, neither the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine nor Medichem warrants the information provided to be in compliance with any local, state, national or international laws, agreements, or treaties.
Members of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medichem participating in professional assistance under the terms of this understanding are, however, expected to provide such assistance within the ethical guidelines of their respective organizations and with no expectation of fiduciary gain. Nothing herein shall preclude the discretionary reimbursement of expenses incurred by members in the course of these activities. Furthermore, nothing herein shall preclude members of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine or Medichem from contracting to provide disaster medical advice for remuneration, so long as it is made clear that such advice is not being offered under the aegis of this memorandum.
Types of disaster assistance which may be offered include, but are not limited to:
1)Identification of chemicals and mixtures from trade names.
2)Provision of material safety data sheets
3)Provision of toxicological and product safety data approved for dissimulation by the owners of such data
Medichem Newsletter July 2002, Pg 1
4)Professional and technical advice on available methods of chemical detection, analysis, or of biomedical exposure surveillance
5)Professional and technical advice on remediation and disposal methods, where appropriate
6)Translation and/or interpretation of documents and conversations as needed in such a disaster
7)Sharing of professional contact information for the rapid identification of potential experts for the provision of assistance"
(end of annex)
Thus, this agreement does not obligate the participation of any single member of Medichem or ACOEM. It is completely voluntary. Of course, we strongly encourage the participation of our members.
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
Ludwigshafen (Germany)
Proposed Constitutional Amendment
The Medichem Board has agreed to propose to the members at the next General Assembly a change to Article 4, Section 5 of the Medichem Constitution.
The new Section 5 would then be (change indicated in bold letters):
"Any industry, organisation or institution may become a Sustaining Member of Medichem by making a financial contribution to the Treasurer of Medichem. The minimum fee is fixed by the Board. The Board may, at its discretion, provide incentives to encourage sustaining membership. Sustaining members do not have voting rights in ballots or at general assemblies.
Proposed actions for 2002 if amendment is passed:
Three categories of Sustaining Members would be created. Each sustaining member would be elegible to enroll a number of individual members at no cost in the year for which the financial support is given:
Platinum: $ 1000.00 or more -
5 free members
Gold: $ 500.00 -
2 free members
Silver: $ 250.00 -
1 free member
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
Ludwigshafen (Germany)
WHO Maintains Official Relations with ICOH - Some are Not Amused
In a letter of February 28th, 2002 by Dr. A. Asamoa-Baah, Executive Director, External relations and governing bodies, WHO, to Prof. Kee Seng Chia, Secretary General, ICOH, WHO acknowledges the collaboration with ICOH during the last three years and thus commended the efforts of ICOH in support of the work of WHO. On these grounds, WHO decided to maintain the ICOH in official relations with WHO. This move also honours the work of Medichem, being ICOH's Scientific Committee for Occupational Health in the Chemical Industry.
However, some seem to have received this message with mixed feelings. In a statement published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health (2002; 8: 156-162) a group of authors argue:
"The ICOH has played a key role in the development of some scientific documents and policy recommendations, but it has not always been scientifically objective, particularly in regard to asbestos and other fibers and some chemicals and pesticides. Many ICOH members are employees of corporations or consultants to industry, serving multinational corporate interests to influence public health policy in the guise of a professional scientific organization. ICOH members' conflicts of interest with the public health dominate the organization and damage the standing of the ICOH. Official recognition of the ICOH compromises the credibility of the WHO and the ILO. It is inappropriate for the ICOH to continue to receive WHO and ILO recognition unless the ICOH is recognized as an industry organization."
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
Ludwigshafen (Germany)
Children’s Health Campaign Background
The following is taken from the response of the American Chemistryl Council to a series of advertisements placed in the New York Times. To receive more information on the campaign and draw your own conclusions I strongly recommend to visit
.
"In June, 2002, the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine’s Center for Children’s Health and the Environment (CCHE) launched a campaign intended to encourage the government to prioritize public health resources on research and prevention related to children’s environmental health. The campaign to date has featured a series of full-page advertisements in the Washington edition of the New York Times as well as a press briefing attended by approximately ten DC-based reporters. Though the advertisements acknowledge that children today have improved treatment options for many childhood illnesses and that survival rates of certain childhood diseases are improving, they allege that children are at increasing risk from chemical exposures and link low-level chemical exposures to specific disease outcomes.
Many of the health claims made in the advertisements are supported by a selective compilation of secondary sources, and the primary sources that support the stated conclusion. Second, the advertisements repeat the mythology that chemicals in commerce are not tested for toxicological properties. This has been a message perpetuated in the face of striking evidence to the contrary. Finally, the advertisements are completely silent on the issues that present true risks to children’s health as demonstrated by the number of children affected each year – risks that might be prevented through enhanced public policy measures. These risks include preventable injuries, accidents, violence and suicide. Furthermore, the advertisements pinpoint a single factor - chemical exposure - while ignoring the complexity of childhood diseases as well as the added stressors, such as poor nutrition, poverty and drugs, that public health officials recognize contribute to childhood diseases.
Common to each of the advertisements in the series is the allegation that chemicals in commerce today are inadequately tested before they reach the marketplace. This is a strong charge indeed, but hardly a correct one. In fact, chemicals in the environment are heavily regulated by a series of laws that place limits on their exposure. For new chemical compounds to be approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency, there must be sufficient data available for the agency to make a risk value judgment regarding the proposed use and exposure of the chemical. Furthermore, amid these charges, the chemical industry has been participating in a global information-gathering program for high production volume (HPV) chemicals that will ensure that the data necessary to assess the risks of chemicals in commerce are publicly available and electronically searchable. This program is being conducted in partnership with U.S. and international regulatory agencies as well as the environmental advocacy group Environmental Defense."
This is of course the response of an industry advocacy group. Is it wrong, therefore? How do Medichem members feel about the case? I'd look forward to some feedback and would like to come back to this issue in the next Newsletter.
Dr. Michael Nasterlack
Ludwigshafen (Germany)
Acrylamide Encephalopathy
Although the toxic effects of acrylamide on the peripheral nervous system have been well established, less attention has been paid to its effects on the brain. Nevertheless, (1) ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged cerebral ventricles and cisterns in rats treated with acrylamide 50 mg/kg/d for 8 d, (2) creatine kinase (CK) activities were suppressed in the brain from such rats and mice, (3) CK activities in the brains of mice intoxicated with acrylamide changed in parallel with neurological dysfunction, (4) in human cases of acrylamide intoxication due to occupational exposure, symptoms suggesting brain involvement were seen in a few, and (5) cases of acrylamide intoxication due to contaminated well water showed unquestionable signs of brain dysfunction including mental confusion with hallucinations. These indicate that acrylamide can cause encephalopathy in animals as well as in humans, and that the spectrum of impairment of the nervous system can vary greatly depending on the mode of exposure.
(H. Igisu and M. Matsuoka, J Occup Health 2002; 44: 63-68)
Prof. Alfred Thiess, Ludwigshafen (Germany)
Stroke Qualifies as an Occupational Injury in Sweden
The Administrative Court of Appeal in Sundsvall in Northern Sweden has approved stroke as a legitimate occupational injury.
The case in question involved a 55 year-old man working as a computer programmer and head of a computer department. He was under tremendous pressure in his workplace and suffered a stroke. The social insurance office approved the man's occupational injury claim but the National Social Insurance Board appealed and the County Administrative Court found in their favour. However, the Administrative Court of Appeal overturned the ruling and the 55 year-old won. Testimony from Kjell Asplund, professor of medicine at Umea University was instrumental in the case. "Observation studies show that there is an increased incidence of stroke in people who experience stress. For those who experience severe stress, the risk doubles," explains Prof. Asplund.