8245801 Science, myths, curiosity, and occupational hygiene, or: how to better communicate complex concepts

<h3></h3> Why is blood red? And what does this have to do with Occupational Exposure Limits? Is it quicker to boil an egg on Mount Everest? And what does this have to do with fire protection and exposure to chemicals? What do dice and a bell have to do with that colleague of mine who’s always sick? Why does it always rain when I wash my car? And how can understanding this lead to better policies? Well-aligned with the conference’s goal of inspiring impact and implementation of scientific knowledge in the real world, this presentation is all about communicating the complex concepts of occupational hygiene in new ways, tying them to real-world phenomena and experiences. If we, as scientists and occupational hygienists, strive to impact policy, we must communicate highly complex scientific concepts in ways that decision makers and all members of society can understand and, most importantly, relate to. Methods will be demonstrated to accomplish this by exploring the science and background behind day-to-day phenomena, questioning common myths, examining scientific anecdotes, and showcasing how it all ties to occupational hygiene concepts. I hope to share my love for speaking about science, to excite curiosity and to inspire an appreciation for the wonderous world around us – and how we encourage society to better protect those working within it.