(a) For the purpose of assisting in carrying out the purposes of this Act, the Director may appoint a technical advisory committee, designating a member thereof to be a chairman, composed of not more than 18 members who are representative of (1) the Department of Public Health, (2) the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, (3) manufacturers of household substances subject to this Act, (4) scientists with expertise related to this Act and licensed practitioners in the medical field, (5) consumers, and (6) manufacturers of packages and closures for household substances. The Director may consult with the technical advisory committee in making findings and in establishing standards pursuant to this Act.
     (b) Members of the technical advisory committee who are not regular full-time employees of the State of Illinois shall, while attending meetings of such committee, be entitled to receive compensation at a rate fixed by the Director, but not exceeding $100 per diem, including travel time, and while so serving away from their homes or regular places of business, they may be allowed travel expenses.