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628052 
Journal Article 
Review 
Dermal absorption of environmental contaminants from soil and sediment: A critical review 
Spalt, EW; Kissel, JC; Shirai, JH; Bunge, AL 
2009 
1 
Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
ISSN: 1559-0631
EISSN: 1559-064X 
19 
2 
119-148 
English 
18830234 
WOS:000262500600001 
Risk assessment of hazardous wastes sites may require characterization of the dermal availability of chemical contaminants in soil and/or sediment. Current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance for assessment of dermal exposures to contaminants in water and soil was finalized in 2004 as a supplement (Part E) to the Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS). The soil protocol presented in RAGS Part E is less sophisticated than the water protocol and is supported by less empirical data. Investigations of dermal absorption of soil and sediment-borne contaminants that have been conducted to date include in vitro and in vivo experiments using both human and surrogate skin. A review of that literature was conducted with attention to relevant criteria including consideration of layering effects, degree of chemical saturation of soil, appropriateness of particle size distribution employed, soil-chemical contact time, and continuity of soil-skin contact (in in vivo studies). Most studies published to date are deficient by virtue of execution or reporting on one or more of the selected criteria. In addition the lack of methodological standardization evident in the literature hinders systematic evaluation of results. Since additional experimental work is needed, general agreement on acceptable approaches would be useful. Recommendations for good practice are presented. 
chemical; exposure; flux; skin