International experts gather in Manchester to tackle risks from skin exposure to chemicals

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, will bring together international experts in occupational health, dermatology, toxicology and exposure science in Manchester this September to examine the latest evidence and approaches to protecting people from harmful exposure to chemicals through the skin.

The Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals (OEESC) Conference will take place from 14–16 September 2026, bringing together specialists from around the world to share new research, practical approaches and emerging technologies for understanding, assessing and controlling skin exposure.

“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,” says Sarah Leeson, President of BOHS.

For many years OEESC has been the world’s leading meeting of experts concerned with chemical exposures through skin. The three-day conference will explore some of the most current challenges in the field, from chemical sensitisation and contact dermatitis to exposure to PFAS, nanoparticles, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

“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,” says BOHS CEO, Professor Kevin Bampton.

Practical workplace issues will feature strongly throughout the conference, with research and case studies examining skin exposure among workers including firefighters, petrol station attendants, asphalt workers and those involved in e-waste recycling.

Sessions will also focus on the effectiveness of protective clothing and gloves, workplace training and exposure controls, alongside developments in international standards and regulatory approaches.

BOHS President, Sarah Leeson, adds:

“Bringing together expertise from occupational hygiene, dermatology, toxicology, research and regulation is exactly what is needed to turn scientific understanding into effective prevention. OEESC 2026 focuses on the use of science and new technologies to anticipate and control these significant and growing risks, which is entirely in line with BOHS’s new Strategy. BOHS is proud to provide a forum where international experts can share knowledge, challenge current thinking and help improve how we protect people from harmful exposures.”

Helen Taylor, BOHS Board Member and skin expert said:

“For me, as a specialist in this area, the OEESC is the conference to update, engage and discover the science that will inform future practice. Whether you are a workplace health expert, someone involved in research into skin or you work in dermatology, this conference is a ‘can’t miss’ event.”

For more information and to book your place, visit OEESC 2026. You can also view the full conference programme here.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About BOHS

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, is a leading scientific and professional body dedicated to protecting worker health. Its mission is to safeguard current and future worker health through the effective management of workplace environments. See our strategy Strategy - British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS)

About OEESC 2026

The Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals (OEESC) Conference is a leading international conference dedicated to understanding and managing skin exposure. It brings together expertise from occupational hygiene, health and safety, dermatology, skin research, toxicology and consumer fields.

OEESC 2026 is organised by the British Occupational Hygiene Society and takes place in Manchester from 14–16 September 2026.

For further information, to view the full programme or to register, visit the BOHS events website.

Media enquiries:
Rita Grigoriadou, Policy and Communication Manager, [email protected]