2nd international symposium on operational hygiene
Prevention, research and innovative solutions for fire brigades, technical relief organisations, police and chimney sweeps
On 6 November 2025, the 2nd International Conference on Occupational Hygiene will take place as part of the ‘A+A - Trade Fair for Occupational Safety and Health’ in Düsseldorf. This event will highlight current developments and scientific findings on health risks for emergency services personnel. At the end of the conference, a panel discussion will offer the opportunity to clarify questions from the audience.
At a glance
6. November 2025
Location: Hall 1, 1st floor, Room 14
Tickets: A separate ticket is required
Main topic: Health risks from secondary fire products
Emergency personnel such as firefighters, helpers from the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), police fire investigators and chimney sweeps are regularly exposed to carcinogenic fire products. Scientific studies show that firefighters in particular have an increased risk of developing cancer compared to the rest of the population.
What you can expect
Renowned experts from the USA, Canada and Germany will be presenting in-depth specialist lectures on various aspects of operational hygiene:
Keynote speech by Marcus Bätge: Insight into the common challenges faced by firefighters, THW helpers, fire investigators and chimney sweeps.
Scientific findings by Alex Forrest and Paul Demers: Current research findings on the reassessment of cancer risks in the fire service.
Dr Melissa Furlong: Insights into the associations of PFAS with health risks for firefighters.
Practical report by Tobias Kugler on the risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fire investigation.
Innovative solutions by Dr Jonas Schubert, Lars Reuter and Thomas Leucht: Effective strategies for the removal of skin contamination and the handling of contaminated textiles and other materials.
