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Contact:
Claudia Monlouis
Thursday, June 24, 2004 - A National inventory of chemicals that are
either used or stored on the island is due to commence here shortly.
As a full-fledged member of the Stockholm Convention, which came into force in
May 2004, St. Lucia is continuing its mandate under the Persistent Organic
Pollutants Project (POPS), to assess the island for any potential stockpiles of
Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Coordinator of the POPS project, Shirlene Simmons said that the committee was in
the preparatory stage of getting the inventory under way.
She however, noted that the likelihood of finding such chemicals in St. Lucia
was very slim. “We may not have these chemicals in stock, but that still does
not negate the fact that we may have chemicals, that at some point in time may
be on the list. It’s a continuous process. The major working groups under the
convention are looking at other chemicals that pose environmental and human
health problems, as in the future, some chemicals can be blacklisted under the
Convention”, she said.
First Aid training will be a precursor for persons who will be involved in the
carrying out of chemical testing. “So we would have to have sampling of those
chemicals done, which is why first aid, with regards to developing the inventory
is critical to that part of the activity. There must be first aid training, and
occupational health and safety as part of this activity”, Ms. Simmons said.
To date the Agricultural Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries, and the FAO have conducted an inventory of pesticides that will
assist the POPS inventory in a significant way.
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