Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent occupational diseases associated with chemical exposure. Chemicals and pesticides must be tested for their potential to cause skin sensitization and there have been major developments in testing strategies in recent years, as new approach methods are becoming accepted alternatives to traditional animal tests. Despite this progress, quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitizing chemicals remains a challenging process.

This webinar series provided an overview of the current state of the science in this rapidly developing field. The webinars were intended as background for a planned workshop in 2022 on quantitative risk assessment of skin sensitizing pesticides but they are of interest to the broader scientific community as they are relying on the development of concepts and methods in other areas e.g. cosmetics, fragrances and consumer products.

The webinar series was organized by NICEATM, the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.