Preface

Dermal absorption of pesticides - evaluation of variability and prevention

Through the years great efforts have been made to reduce pulmonary occupational exposure to pesticides. Therefore, the skin has become the primary route of occupational exposure to pesticides. Many factors can change the skin barrier and by that the ability of the pesticides to be absorbed. This is partly due to the physico-chemical characteristics of the active substances as well as the abilities of the detergents used, but also the condition of the skin, i.e. whether the skin is damaged or diseased. In addition, the use of correct gloves can offer protection by limiting and in many cases preventing dermal absorption.

The primary aim of this report is to collect information available in the open literature and information from recent reports published by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a review including regulatory aspects of the collected information on dermal penetration of pesticides. Thus, the projects have not only scientific aims by revealing and describing facts related to dermal exposure to pesticides, but also aspects related to regulatory and preventive initiatives and guidelines from Danish Governmental Agencies

The results and evaluations are of interests to the workers employed in e.g. greenhouses and agricultures, regulatory agencies as well as departments for occupational and environmental medicine.

The report have been financed by the Danish EPA and the scientific input is to a large extent based on two previously published Danish EPA reports: ’Hudpenetration af pesticider – kombinationseffekter mellem aktiv- og hjælpestoffer’ and ’Penetration af pesticider gennem lettere beskadiget hud’, several peer reviewed articles, and a book chapter all by Jesper Bo Nielsen. The authors have received constructive written comments from an external advisory group (Mari-Ann Flyvholm, Sven Edelfors, Flemming Lander) as well as employees from the Danish EPA (Lærke Ambo Nielsen, Susanne Hougaard, Jørn Kirkegaard).

August 2008.

Rikke Holmgaard
Jesper Bo Nielsen