Airborne emissions at skin surfaces: a potential biological exposure index |
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Authors: | Stuart A Batterman Alfred Franzblau Nanzheng Zhou |
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Institution: | (1) Environmental and Industrial Health, The University of Michigan, 109 Observatory Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109–2029, USA, US |
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Abstract: | Dermal exposures of methanol were administered in a clinical study designed to compare several biological indicators. Four
subjects were exposed in five exposure sessions of varying length. In each session, a sequence of measurements of methanol
concentrations in blood, breath, and headspace samples of air at exposed and unexposed skin were collected before and after
dermal exposures. Skin headspace samples, collected in gas sampling bags, were designed to reflect equilibrium skin: air partitioning.
At exposed skin, headspace samples were highly elevated for at least 8 h following exposure, indicating the presence of a
methanol reservoir in skin. After exposure, methanol concentrations at exposed skin showed a rapid initial decline, then a
slower first-order decrease. Methanol concentrations were clearly detectable in headspace samples at unexposed skin. Substantial
transfer from exposed skin occurred due to mechanical contact and washing. When transfer was restricted, surface concentrations
at unexposed skin were similar to levels in breath and were strongly correlated to methanol concentrations in blood. While
results are preliminary due to the small sample sizes and several unresolved experimental issues, the simple, rapid, and noninvasive
skin headspace measurements appear useful as a biological exposure indicator that clearly shows the presence and site of a
dermal exposure, and measurements at unexposed skin reflect concentrations in blood.
Received: 14 March 1995/Accepted: 3 November 1995 |
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Keywords: | Biological monitoring Breath sampling Chemical analysis Methanol Volatile organiccompounds |
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