STRATEGY FOR ASSIGNING A 'SKIN NOTATION': A COMMENT

摘要

For occupational exposure, the skin may play an important role as a route for uptake into the body. In general, dermal exposure increases in significance as exposure route when permissible occupational inhalation exposures are lowered (Fiserova-Bergerova, 1993; Fenske, 1993). A criterion based on comparison of the dermal penetration rate with pulmonary uptake rate at inhalation exposure levels permissible in the workplace was advocated to replace the current practice of using acute dermal toxicity (LD_(50)) as a warning sign for significant dermal absorption (Fiserova-Bergerova, 1993). When percutaneous absorption potentially makes a significant contribution to exposure, in most Occupational Exposure Lists, a 'skin notation' is added (Boleij et al, 1995). The criteria that lead to a skin notation, however, are generally not specified. The purpose of this notation is to indicate the need to prevent skin contamination when systemic effects (not local effects) may result from percutaneous absorption of the material as a gas, a solid or a liquid (ECETOC, 1993a).