Occupational toxicology dermal absorption

Toxicity can occur secondary to exposure to treated fields since many of these compounds may be easily absorbed across the skin. The potential for dermal absorption is compound dependent and varies from 2-70% of the applied dose. These compounds may also be metabolized while being absorbed across the skin, and the environmental conditions during exposure (temperature, relative humidity) drastically modify absorption. Similarly, solvent effects and coapplication of other pesticides may modify the amount absorbed, making risk assessment from single-chemical data difficult. This is a primary reason that occupational exposure, and not food residues, should be the primary focus of pesticide toxicology. 

The major route of exposure to benzene is inhalation through the lungs of benzene vapors, however skin absorption of benzene has been shown to be significant depending on the circumstances of the exposure such as time of contact between the benzene and the skin. Benzene absorption, as other solvents, through the skin is enhanced if the skin condition is altered by either disease or loss of skin or cracking of the skin. The dermal absorption of benzene deserves much more attention than previously described in various texts of toxicology and occupational medicine, as well as environmental and industrial health. Dermal... 

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