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Dermal absorption of benzene: implications for work practices and regulations
1The Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Summary
Benzene exposure increases leukemia risk. Even low contamination levels absorbed through skin can significantly raise risks, prompting recommendations for lower benzene concentration limits to protect workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
- Dermal Absorption
Background:
- Occupational exposure to benzene is linked to increased leukemia risk.
- Current recommendations limit airborne benzene exposure to 0.1 ppm.
- Benzene's dermal absorption is a significant, often overlooked, exposure route.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify benzene absorption through skin during occupational solvent use.
- To assess the contribution of dermal absorption to overall benzene exposure risk.
- To recommend revised safety thresholds for liquid benzene concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized experimentally determined dermal flux (permeability) values for benzene.
- Calculated benzene absorption based on surface area, exposure time, and contamination levels.
- Modeled leukemia risk increase associated with dermal absorption.
Main Results:
- Significant benzene absorption through skin can occur even at contamination levels below 0.1%.
- Dermal absorption can substantially increase leukemia risk, by up to 42% in the example provided.
- The duration and surface area of exposure are critical factors in total dermal uptake.
Conclusions:
- Current liquid benzene concentration thresholds for protective measures may be inadequate.
- Reducing the threshold for labeling and protective measures to 0.01% is recommended.
- Minimizing skin exposure is crucial for mitigating benzene-related health risks in the workplace.