309 Development of an exposome toolbox for reducing the occupational burden of disease: The EU EPHOR project

Abstract Introduction Occupational risk reduction strategies are informed by existing scientific evidence on single exposure-single outcome associations, limiting their applicability. Within the EU EPHOR project (2020-2025), we aim to apply the exposome concept to working life health that will enable more effective risk reduction strategies and policies. Methods Within EPHOR, we investigate the effects of the working-life exposome by combining large-scale meta analyses of existing cohorts with the collection of new external and internal exposome data in case studies. Methods for characterizing the exposome and for investigating its complex associations (multiple exposures, timing of exposures, early health effects and vulnerability) with health are being developed. Results The methods and results of the project are being made available to scientists, policy makers and occupational health practitioners via the WE-EXPOSE Toolbox. Examples include methods to collect and interpret the external (e.g. with sensors) and internal (e.g. with non-invasive sampling) exposome, methods and tools to characterize (EuroJEM) and study effects of the exposome in multiple cohorts (Mega Cohort) in a harmonized way, and an online tool for visualizing occupational risk factors including levels, population sizes and related health effects across Europe. Discussion and conclusion An overview of the (planned) tools in the WE-EXPOSE Toolbox with emphasis on tools for occupational health practitioners as well as the cocreation process for enhancing the usability of specific tools will be presented. By providing a knowledge base for evidence-based prevention, the Toolbox will contribute to reducing the burden of occupational disease.