Transcutaneous absorption of industrial toxic substances
Balbiani, L.
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia 25(2): 182-185
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1592-7830 PMID: 12872505 Document Number: 554516
Percutaneous absorption of industrial toxic agents has been emphasized in the last decade, in particular because the use of effective environmental and individual preventive measures has greatly reduced risks by inhalation. The aim of this paper is to summarize the main methods currently in use for the assessment of percutaneous absorption: in vivo and in vitro studies, use of cutaneous substitutes, techniques of removal, fluorescent techniques, indirect methods and biological monitoring. Currently there are no limit values of cutaneous exposure, except for the skin notation suggested by ACGIH, and it is necessary to analyze and standardize the methods for its assessment to guarantee the applicability of these methods to all industrial activities. Moreover it is necessary to increase the low perception of cutaneous risk, to correct the wrong use of DPI and the wrong individual hygienic habits.