Abstract

Certain chemicals can enter the body through the skin. While research on skin absorption is being carried out in Europe and the United States, Québec expertise in this field must be further developed. The objective of this project is therefore to develop a model in the laboratory for studying the skin absorption of substances with low volatility. With this model, the effect of mixtures of such substances and various skin cleaning techniques can subsequently be analyzed. The first step in this work will consist of establishing the method of in vitro continuous flow diffusion cells. Subsequent projects will determine the rates of penetration of various substances through the skin, the best cleaning methods to remove them, and the extent of skin contamination in the work environment. These studies will produce objective data for formulating preventive recommendations for reducing skin penetration of chemicals in workers exposed to them.