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Dermal exposure assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: in vitro percutaneous penetration from coal dust

Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Siena, Via dei Tufi 1, 53100 Siena, Italy, sartorelli{at}unisi.it

Loretta Montomoli

Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Siena, Via dei Tufi 1, 53100 Siena, Italy

Antonietta Gerardina Sisinni

Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Siena, Via dei Tufi 1, 53100 Siena, Italy

Rossana Bussani

Institute of Anatomical Pathology, University of Trieste, Via della Pietá, 34129 Trieste, Italy

Domenico Cavallo

Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Santa Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy

Vito Foá

Institute of Occupational Medicine, University of Milan, Via Santa Barnaba 8, 20122 Milan, Italy

To understand the dermal uptake of chemicals bound to soil and dust, information on the neat substance is helpful but does not seem sufficient. Because of its content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) coal is suspected to be carcinogenic. However, experimental carcinogenity studies on coal dust never succeeded in demonstrating a higher incidence of cancer in treated animals. The aim of the study was to assess dermal penetration through human skin of PAHs from coal dust. A sample of coal dust was grinded and sieved, using the particle size of <30 µm. An in vitro static diffusion cell system validated by in vitro/in vivo comparison has been used to study dermal penetration through human skin of PAHs from coal dust compared with their percutaneous absorption as pure compounds. No percutaneous penetration of PAHs was observed in the cells where coal dust was applied, while dermal penetration was demonstrated for PAHs applied in an acetone solution. Results agree with the literature that PAHs are poorly absorbed through the skin from solids. Dermal risk assessment of PAHs should take into account not only the degree and the extent of skin contamination, but also their bioavailability, which is heavily influenced by the physico-chemical characteristics of the matrix.

Key Words: coal • in vitro • percutaneous penetration • polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

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