ABSTRACT
The area of percutaneous absorption has been established as a signifi cant part of dermatotoxicology. Human health risk assessment includes an estimate for percutaneous absorption where dermal exposure is involved. Some estimate of percent dose absorbed or steady-state absorption (fl ux) is included. Behind these generated numbers lies the question of validation. First, human exposure is a risk end point, and if a model is used, that model should be validated for humans in vivo. Second, there is the question of relevance of the particular risk assessment situation to the provided percutaneous absorption data. For example, is an absorption estimate derived over a long period of exposure applicable to a short exposure period? (There are some examples where this is not the case.) Also, multiple exposures (daily or weekly) can exceed single exposure estimates in some situations. Third, some limitations (lag time, lipophilicity) of the in vitro diffusion model are shown. Finally, the data showing skin delivery and percutaneous absorption of chemicals from clothing fabric are discussed. The overall interest is relevant
and validates percutaneous absorption data and proper data interpretation.
