Understanding percutaneous absorption for occupational health and safety

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacokinetics

Background:

• The skin acts as a barrier, preventing most chemicals from entering the body.
• However, the skin is also a primary route for chemical entry into the systemic circulation.
• Increasingly, chemicals contacting the skin are recognized for their potential toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process of percutaneous absorption.
• To outline methods for determining the extent of skin penetration.
• To identify factors influencing chemical absorption through the skin.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on percutaneous absorption.
• Discussion of various in vitro and in vivo methods for assessing skin penetration.
• Analysis of physicochemical and biological factors affecting dermal absorption.

Main Results:

• Percutaneous absorption is a complex process influenced by chemical properties and skin integrity.
• Various methodologies exist to quantify skin penetration, each with specific applications.
• Factors such as chemical lipophilicity, molecular size, and skin condition significantly impact absorption rates.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous absorption is a critical determinant of local and systemic toxicity.
• Accurate assessment of skin penetration is essential for risk evaluation.
• Further research into factors affecting dermal absorption can improve safety assessments.