ADVANCE ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR POSTERS
Background
Beginning about 50 years ago, numerous epidemiology studies in many countries concluded that populations consuming 'hard water' containing calcium and/or magnesium have a lower risk of certain types of cardiovascular disease. These studies have not always observed the 'hard water' benefit effect, but in 2004 a committee report to WHO concluded that, on balance, the benefits hypothesis was probably valid, especially for magnesium in drinking water. A more detailed scientific assessment of the benefits hypothesis is necessary before WHO can make a decision with respect to guidance on magnesium and calcium in drinking water
Symposium Overview
In response to the 2004 recommendations, NSF International and ILSI are assisting WHO by producing a scientific symposium on the epidemiology, dietary intake, biochemistry and health effects of magnesium and calcium as well as the practical concerns (treatment technology and costs) associated with adding magnesium and calcium to drinking water. The Symposium will review possible health significance of magnesium and calcium in drinking water and help to define what questions need to be resolved before a decision can be made on the value of a water contribution of magnesium and calcium to total diet and what studies are necessary to do so.
Outcome
Following the Symposium, WHO is planning to convene an expert meeting. The information prsented at the Symposium will be forwarded to WHO as they prepare recommendations. These recommendations would be a contribution to the groups preparing WHO Guidance on Health and Environmental Aspects of Desalination Processes due in late 2006, and in the 4th Edition of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality due in 2008.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Monday, 24 April
- Opening Session and Keynote Address
- Dietary Minerals, Consumption and Health
- Water as a Source of Dietary Minerals in World Regions
- Controlled Human Exposure Studies of Magnesium and/or Calcium in Diet/Drinking Water
- Poster Session and Reception
Tuesday, 25 April
- Biochemical Basis for Linking Magnesium, Calcium and Health Outcomes
- Epidemiological Evidence Linking Drinking Water Components and Cardiovascular Disease
- Epidemiological Evidence Linking Drinking Water Components and Other Health Outcomes
Wednesday, 26 April
- Alternative Hypotheses and Knowledge Gaps
- Water Production, Technical Issues and Economics
- Discussions/Summaries/Conclusions
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The symposium will benefit a large international group representing varied scientific disciplines and interests in drinking water production, desalination, water softening, management, electrolytes and health, nutrition, and risk assessment including scientists, public health officials, regulators, decision makers, risk assessors/risk managers, toxicologists, microbiologists, epidemiologists, chemists, water utility managers, water treatment technology manufacturers, water treatment engineers, and environmental community representatives.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
As one of the Symposium Sponsors, your company or organization will be supporting the International Symposium on Health Aspects of Calcium and Magnesium in Drinking Water, an international platform for exchanging ideas among key players in the drinking water and health industries. Sponsorship opportunities are offered as a way to help defray the costs of the Symposium's development as a successful event of the highest scientific quality. For details, see below to download the Sponsorship Opportunities file (PDF).
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SUBMIT A POSTER PRESENTATION
- To participate in the symposium as sponsor or attendee
- To submit a poster,
- To receive more information when available
Contact Us:
CaMgWater Symposium 2006
ILSI Meetings Department
Tel: 202-659-0074
Fax: 202-659-3617
Email: camgwater@ilsi.org
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW AND
JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS IN APRIL 2006!
Preliminary Announcement (pdf)
Sponsorship Opportunities (pdf) or Word format