Exposure Assessment and the Dermal Absorption of Pesticides. H. Appleton, C. Lunchick, and G. Burin, Technology Sciences Group, Incorporated, and Aventis CropScience
The rate of dermal penetration of pesticidal chemicals has long been recognized as a major determinant in the potential risk posed by the use of these materials, especially in occupational and residential settings. However, it has only been in recent years that data and models have become increasingly available to incorporate such information into risk analyses focussing on such exposure scenarios. Data generated by scientists in academia, industry, and governmental health agencies have allowed the development of a consensus as to how such information may be intelligently applied to an assessment of risk from pesticide use. Numerous physicochemical and biological factors dictate the rate of penetration of a chemical through the dermal barrier and into the systemic circulation. In addition, a variety of confounding factors, whether matrix effects or occupational hygiene, may either limit or enhance these penetration rates. The Food Quality Protection Act has increased the importance of accurate assessment of the dermal portion of total pesticidal exposure. The U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs has increasingly opted to assume that dermally deposited pesticides are quantitatively absorbed though the skin, irrespective of actual animal test data, Agency-approved kinetic models, or the risk assessment policies of other program areas. Previously, Agency "default" exposure assumptions included an unofficial 10% dermal absorption factor, but the factor is now officially 100%. This presentation is a discussion of the underlying scientific data base that exists in this subject area, how it is being used or ignored in the regulation of pesticide use, and the ramifications thereof.
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