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Percutaneous penetration of benzene in hairless mice: An estimate of dermal absorption during tire‐building operations

1985; Wiley; Volume: 7; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/ajim.4700070408

1097-0274

Allan S. Susten, B. L. Dames, Jeanne R. Burg, Richard W. Niemeier,

Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure

Repeated skin contact with solvents containing as much as 0.5% benzene is common in workers building regular bias passenger tires. To estimate the amount of benzene absorbed through the skin of these workers, a series of in vivo studies was conducted in hairless mice. Percutaneous absorption, following single dermal applications of 14C-benzene contained in rubber solvent at a concentration of 0.5% (v/v), was calculated directly from the sums of radioactivity found in excreta, expired breath, and the carcass. Data from the study, together with observations made during tire-building operations, suggest that a worker could absorb 4-8 mg of benzene daily through the skin. This compares to 14 mg per day via inhalation at the NIOSH recommended standard of 1 ppm. Thus dermal absorption could contribute from 20-40% of the total benzene dose of these workers.