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Abstract: The focus of this review is on the systemic absorption of vapours via skin, including experimental data as well as regression and pharmacokinetic models. Dermal contribution ratios (DCR), i.e. amount absorbed through skin relative to total intake (skin and inhalation) at specified conditions, could be identified or calculated from published data for 33 chemical vapours. The ratios vary from ~0.0002 (vinyl chloride) to ~0.8 (2-butoxyethanol), with hydrophilic chemicals having a higher ratio than lipophilic ones. Multiple regression analysis of these data suggests that the DCR is largely explained by the octanol:water partition coefficient, vapour pressure and molecular weight (R2 =0.69). Several physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models were identified; however, all describe the absorption of single substances. Regarding predictive models, only two models were found. In conclusion, dermal uptake of chemical vapours needs more attention, as such exposures are common, data are scarce and few predictive models exist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background/aims: Recent work in our laboratory suggests that dermal absorption and desorption of volatile chemicals may be assessed in vitro by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), i.e. by passing chemical vapour over a piece of skin while recording the weight increase at constant temperature and humidity. This paper describes a high-precision automated vapour-generating system for use with the TGA equipment. Methods and results: The system consists of computer-controlled magnetic valves and mass flow meters that split and redirect a flow of pure, dry air through different stainless-steel gas wash bottles thermostated to 25.00±0.05°C. Each wash bottle is filled with a neat volatile chemical and designed so that the air leaving reaches 100% saturation within seconds, as shown with cyclohexanone. The air leaving the wash bottles are combined and directed via stainless-steel liners to the skin piece in the TGA chamber. The liners are heated to 30°C to prevent condensation of water or chemical. Special computer software was developed to allow automatic runs with different wash bottles (chemicals) and air flows over several days. A number of measurements were made to characterize the stability and reproducibility of the vapour-generating system. Conclusions: We have developed a computer-controlled vapour-generating system for use in measurements of dermal absorption of chemicals by thermal gravimetry. The system has high stability and reproducibility and produces little noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]