In vivo percutaneous absorption of benzene in man: forearm and palm.

The exact role topical exposure to benzene plays in its hazard profile remains incompletely defined. This investigation explores the amount of benzene absorbed through human skin in vivo following one direct topical application to the forearm or palm. Absorption values were found to be nominal with forearm exposure showing an average total absorption of 0.07+/-0.04% and palmar exposure an average total absorption of 0.13+/-0.04% of the applied dose. Differences in excretion and absorption between the surfaces were not found to be within statistical significance. This is in contrast to previous studies that found greater absorption through the forearm than palm. Although total absorption values were small, these findings were gathered in an idealized environment where benzene was present in pure solution and applied only once to non-damaged skin. Therefore, these findings could underestimate benzene flux as many exposure conditions occur and many skin variables exist. Generalization of the data must be taken with caution.