International conference in Stockholm on chemical exposures of skin

Many chemicals in the occupational and non-occupational environment may be hazardous to skin and health. This will be the topic for an international scientific conference “Occupational and Environmental Exposures of Skin to Chemicals-2005” in Stockholm, Sweden 12-15 June 2005.

“Wet work and skin exposure to solvents, cement and pesticides are some of the important causes of disease. New chemical substances and products are developed, and it is important to know how they may affect health, and how to prevent disease,” says Carola Lidén, professor of occupational and environmental dermatology at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, one of the organizers.

More than 200 conference participants from all parts of the world meet to discuss skin exposure to allergenic, irritant, and toxic chemicals in the occupational and non-occupational environment, how hazardous exposure may be minimised and how to prevent hazardous effects.

“The European Union and Sweden are in the frontline concerning research and legislation for prevention of disease due to hazardous skin exposure. This is one reason for having the conference in Stockholm this year,” says Carola Lidén.

The first conference in the series was held in the USA, year 2002. The present conference is arranged by Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, together with National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), USA. The conference venue is Berzelius lab at Karolinska Institutet Campus in Solna.

Financial support for the conference was given by the following Swedish sponsors: Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research, Vårdal Foundation – for Health Care Sciences and Allergy Research, Swedish Work Environment Authority, National Institute of Public Health and Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.