The Most Important World Meeting on Occupational Health Closes in Barcelona

62 sessions with a total of 327 presentations and more than 320 posters

More than 650 researchers from 63 different countries have come together for the 25th Conference on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPICOH) that has taken place in Barcelona from September 4 to 7. Organized by the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal) and the University Pompeu Fabra, it is the most important meeting in the field of occupational health, and this year it puts the focus on promoting research with a global perspective combined with local actions

Throughout 62 sessions with a total of 327 presentations and more than 320 posters, the attendees have discussed the most recent results and identified the key priorities that need to be addressed.

Every year in Spain there are 3,000 to 6,000 cancer cases related to the working environment

Manolis Kogevinas, Chair of the EPICOH organizing committee, points out that “we have acquired much more knowledge of the causes of work-related diseases, and their prevention should increase accordingly."

One of the topics that had the most presentations is occupational cancer. “Every year in Spain there are 3,000 to 6,000 cancer cases related to the working environment, but less than 50% are officially recognized as such”, explains Kogevinas.

New results on the association between work-related stress and diseases were presented

In addition, new results on the association between work-related stress and diseases such as myocardial infarction were presented, as well as evidence on the role of social support in health, particularly for people struggling to reconcile work and family life such as single mothers.

Another issue addressed was the problem of child labour and its serious consequences on the health of the youngest children. Between 2008 and 2012, an estimated 47.5 million teenagers 15 to 17 years-old worked in dangerous or unhealthy conditions, according to data presented by Dr. Susan Gunn, researcher at the International Labour Organisation.

EPICOH Awards

One of the novelties of the congress has been the EPICOH Awards presentation, with the aim of recognizing outstanding contributions to occupational epidemiology. Among the awardees, Professor Aaron Blair (National Cancer Institute, USA) was recognized for his research on occupational exposures, including pesticides and dry cleaning solvents. His work has been instrumental in IARC’s decision to classify several of these chemicals as carcinogenic to humans.

The Conference was organized by ISGlobal, the University Pompeu Fabra, the International Committee on Occupational Health (ICOH) and the University of Utrecht. The next edition of the EPICOH Conference will be hosted by Edinburgh, in August 28-31, 2017.

Photo album on Flickr

More information about the meeting: www.epicoh2016.org