Which of the following is an example of dermal exposure?

• A. Skin contact with chemicals.
• B. Breathing solvent vapors.
• C. Ingesting contaminated food.
• D. Inhaling dust.

Answer: (A)

Dermal exposure means a chemical comes into contact with the skin and can be absorbed through it, potentially entering the bloodstream or causing local skin effects. In this instance, skin contact with chemicals fits that definition because the agent touches the skin and can be absorbed or irritate it. The other routes involve inhalation of vapors or dust, or ingestion of contaminated material, which are not through the skin. Inhalation and ingestion expose the body via the lungs or the digestive tract, not through the skin. Factors that influence dermal absorption include the chemical’s properties (like lipophilicity), concentration, duration of contact, skin condition, and whether the skin is occluded or heated, all of which determine how much, if any, is absorbed.