Hidden workplace chemical risks come under spotlight as experts turn to skin exposure

Firefighters, petrol station attendants and e-waste workers are among those being studied as scientists examine how PFAS, heavy metals and other harmful substances can affect people through their skin

International experts are gathering in Manchester next month to examine harmful exposure to chemicals through the skin amid growing concerns that workplace health protection has traditionally focused more heavily on what people breathe in or ingest.

The three-day conference will examine exposure to chemicals including PFAS, nanoparticles, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, and how better assessment and protection could help prevent ill-health.

Workers including firefighters, petrol station attendants, asphalt workers and people involved in e-waste recycling will feature in research and case studies being presented at the event, which starts on September 14.

Experts in occupational health, dermatology, toxicology and exposure science will examine chemical sensitisation and contact dermatitis alongside exposure to different substances and research into skin permeability.

Artificial intelligence is also expected to feature as researchers explore new technologies for modelling and predicting dermal risks and understanding how substances can pass through the skin.

Research will also examine the effectiveness of protective clothing and gloves, workplace training and other exposure controls, alongside developments in international standards and regulation.

Sarah Leeson, president of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), which is organising the event, said: “Skin is the largest human organ and it is our major defence against substances in the environment that can cause us harm.

“However, we often tend to focus on breathing and eating, rather than dermal exposure. However, there is growing understanding of the need to focus on this as a cause of ill-health.”

BOHS chief executive Professor Kevin Bampton added: “We need to look beyond personal protective equipment, if we are going to be effective in controlling risks. The conference will be exploring how new technologies can be used to model and predict dermal risks and understand skin permeability. Inevitably, AI will be a feature of the event.”

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_{Main image: Fotografia Lui Vlad via Pexels}