Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the workplace is an issue of some concern due to the classification of several PAHs as carcinogens. A significant amount of research into inhalation exposure has been carried out but relatively few methods are available to accurately evaluate levels of PAHs on the skin – an exposure route that is now attracting more interest.
In this HOT paper Ronny Kammer, Lund University, and colleagues have applied the relatively new technique of tape stripping to measure dermal exposure levels to PAHs. They were able to detect and determine exposure to pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene in volunteers, including 5 chimney sweeps, and conclude that dermal uptake of these compounds may occur after occupational exposure.
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Evaluation of a tape-stripping technique for measuring dermal exposure to pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene
Ronny Kammer, Håkan Tinnerberg and Kåre Eriksson
J. Environ. Monit., 2011, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C1EM10245A
