ILSI and the World Health Organization hold closed-door meeting on chemical assessment

ILSI, the International Life Sciences Institute, is a wordy and misleading name for the global trade organization representing about 500 corporate members including food, chemical, and petrochemical companies. (Its member list is on page 14 of its 2010 Annual Report)

On its website, ILSI acknowledges that, "ILSI receives its funding from its industry members, governments, and foundations." On page 18 of its 2010 Annual Report it identifies that two-thirds of that funding is from its corporate members.

Why would the World Health Organisation (WHO) be co-sponsoring a workshop this past week, in Paris, with ILSI? One that isn't open to the public? An invitation-ony event with the publicly-funded WHO and the corporate-member ILSI? On the subject of how governments should assess the combined exposure to multiple chemicals! Chemicals that are produced by ILSI members!

Is this an appropriate activity for the WHO, a public health organization, to engage in with an organization largely funded by corporations that includes chemical manufacturers and chemical users?

NRDC didn't think so, and we sent a public letter stating our concerns.

While we recognize the right, and even the obligation, of the regulated industry to organize and hold its own events to discuss and address risk assessment issues that will impact the regulation of their products, we believe it is inappropriate for public funds, including the staff time and resources of government organizations and agencies, to support this meeting.

How governments consider the health risk of multiple chemical exposures will directly impact the regulation of numerous chemicals, including those that are manufactured or used by the companies that are co-hosting this workshop.

If WHO or governments believe they need more input from stakeholders, they should utilize or convene their own forums and ensure a balance of stakeholders are invited and involved. 

Dear WHO - remember, your middle name is "Health"! Don't let us down, please.