Dermal route in systemic exposure

To evaluate risk from dermal exposure, the amount of material on the skin m ust first be measured. The potential for dermal uptake must then be assesse d for the potential health effects from systemic exposure. No standard meth ods exist for studying these processes, and published data are not comparab le because of the different techniques used. Future validated methodology s hould provide a sound scientific basis for risk assessment. Methods for mea suring skin and surface contamination will require development of reference contaminated surfaces and skin as part of quality control procedures. Biol ogical monitoring is a valuable tool in the assessment of dermal absorption , in contributing to the validation of in vitro techniques, and in risk ass essment and management. It will be necessary to conduct detailed investigat ions to support risk assessment for dermal exposure. Ultimately, predictive models will be established for exposure and for dermal absorption to suppo rt a generic approach and allow risk assessment strategies appropriate to a ctual workplace situations.