On Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) will host the Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals (OEESC) Conference in Manchester. This three-day event will bring together international experts in occupational health, dermatology, toxicology, and exposure science to discuss the latest evidence and approaches for protecting individuals from harmful chemical exposure through the skin.
The President of BOHS, Sarah Leeson, emphasized the importance of addressing dermal exposure as a cause of ill-health. “Skin is our largest organ and our main defense against harmful substances in the environment. However, we often overlook the potential risks of skin exposure and instead focus on breathing and eating. This conference will shed light on this crucial issue.”
For many years, the OEESC Conference has been the leading meeting for experts concerned with chemical exposures through the skin. This year’s event will feature discussions on various challenges in the field, including chemical sensitization, contact dermatitis, and exposure to PFAS, nanoparticles, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
BOHS CEO, Professor Kevin Bampton, added, “If we want to effectively control risks, we need to go beyond personal protective equipment. The conference will explore how new technologies can be used to model and predict dermal risks and understand skin permeability, with a focus on incorporating AI into our practices.”
The conference will also address practical workplace issues, with presentations on skin exposure among workers in various industries, such as firefighters, petrol station attendants, asphalt workers, and those involved in e-waste recycling. Sessions will also cover topics like the effectiveness of protective clothing and gloves, workplace training and exposure controls, and developments in international standards and regulatory approaches.
BOHS President, Sarah Leeson, stated, “Bringing together expertise from different fields is crucial to effectively prevent harmful exposures. OEESC 2026 will focus on the use of science and new technologies to anticipate and control these risks, which aligns with BOHS’s new strategy.”
Helen Taylor, BOHS Board Member and skin expert, added, “As a specialist in this area, the OEESC Conference is the go-to event for staying updated, engaged, and informed about the latest science and practices. Whether you are a workplace health expert, involved in skin research, or work in dermatology, this conference is a must-attend event.”
To learn more about OEESC 2026 and to register for the conference, visit the BOHS events website. The full conference programme is also available for viewing on the website.
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Notes to editors
About BOHS
The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is a leading scientific and professional body dedicated to protecting worker health. Their mission is to safeguard current and future worker health through the effective management of workplace environments. For more information, please visit their website.
About OEESC 2026
The OEESC Conference is an international event that focuses on understanding and managing skin exposure to chemicals. It brings together experts from various fields, including occupational hygiene, health and safety, dermatology, skin research, toxicology, and consumer fields.
OEESC 2026 is organized by the BOHS and will take place in Manchester from September 14th to 16th, 2026.
For media inquiries, please contact Rita Grigoriadou, Policy and Communication Manager at rita.grigoriadou@bohs.org.
