Percutaneous absorption of aromatic amines in rubber industry workers: impact of impaired skin and skin barrier creams

Abstract

Background: Several aromatic amines (AA) could cause bladder cancer and are an occupational hygiene problem in the workplace. However, little is known about the percutaneous absorption of chemicals via impaired skin and about the efficacy of skin protection measures to reduce internal exposure. Aims: To determine the impact of skin status and of skin protection measures on the internal exposure to AA in workers manufacturing rubber products. Methods: 51 workers occupationally exposed to aniline and o-toluidine were examined. The workplace conditions, risk factors for skin and the use of personal protective equipment were assessed by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The skin of hands and forearms was clinically examined. Exposure to aniline and o-toluidine was assessed by ambient air and biological monitoring (analyses of urine samples and of haemoglobin adducts). Results: Haemoglobin-AA-adduct levels in workers with erythema (73%) were significantly higher (p,0.04) than in workers with healthy skin (mean values: aniline 1150.4 ng/l vs 951.7 ng/l, o-toluidine 417.9 ng/l vs 118.3 ng/l). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that wearing gloves significantly reduced the internal exposure. A frequent use of skin barrier creams leads to a higher internal exposure of AA (p,0.03). However, the use of skincare creams at the workplace was associated with a reduced internal exposure (p,0.03). From these findings we assume that internal exposure of the workers resulted primarily from the percutaneous uptake. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significantly higher internal exposure to AA in workers with impaired skin compared with workers with healthy skin. Daily wearing of gloves efficiently reduced internal exposure. However, an increased use of skin barrier creams enhances the percutaneous uptake of AA. Skincare creams seem to support skin regeneration and lead to reduced percutaneous uptake.

Effectiveness of skin protection creams in the prevention of occupational dermatitis: results of a randomized, controlled trial

“…Thus, there are no previous studies to which we can compare our results directly. Several studies have addressed the impact of skin protection creams in the prevention of occupational dermatitis in other ways than in the current investigation (Buraczewska et al 2007a;Goh and Gan 1994;Grevelink et al 1992;Held and Agner 2001;Korinth et al 2007). …”

Absorption of chemicals through compromised skin

“…The prevalence of the skin lesions, skin scars or skin diseases among Thai and Chinese rayon workers exposed to CS 2 was up to 90% (Chou et al 2004). In Germany, the point prevalence of impaired skin was close to 70% in the printing industry and approximately 80% among workers in the rubber industry (Korinth et al 2003(Korinth et al , 2005(Korinth et al , 2007. These few examples illustrate the magnitude of the problem in high-risk occupations with skin exposure to solvents, water, and detergents.…”

Ubiquitous presence of paracetamol in human urine: sources and implications

“…setting via air for 8 h at the occupational threshold limit value (7.7 mg/m 3 air), as that occurring, for example, in the rubber industry during the vulcanization process of rubber products (Korinth et al 2006). Complete urine voids were collected before, during, and 16 h after exposure.…”