Distribution of kerosene components in rats following dermal exposure

Abstract

The systemic distribution of kerosene components in blood and tissues was analysed in rats following dermal exposure. Four types of trimethylbenzenes (TMBs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) with carbon numbers 9-16 (C(9)-C(16)) were analysed as major kerosene components by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The kerosene components were detected in blood and all tissues after a small piece of cotton soaked with kerosene was applied to the abdominal skin. The amounts of TMBs detected were higher than those of AHCs. Greater increases in TMB levels were found in adipose tissue in an exposure duration-dependent manner. The amounts of TMBs detected were only at trace levels following post-mortem dermal exposure to kerosene. These findings suggest that kerosene components were absorbed percutaneously and distributed to various organs via the blood circulation. Post-mortem or ante-mortem exposure to kerosene could be distinguished when the exposure duration was relatively long. Adipose tissue would seem to be the most useful for estimating the degree of kerosene exposure.

Skin analysis following dermal exposure to kerosene in rats: the effects of postmortem exposure and fire

“…Blood circulation is not necessary at this site for absorption. Since kerosene levels in blood and other tissues following postmortem exposure have been demonstrated to be significantly lower than those following antemortem exposure in our previous study [9] and the concentrations in blood compared to those in skin samples were more than 100-fold lower even following antemortem exposure in this study and our previous study [10], the results of skin analysis suggest the usefulness of skin as a forensic sample especially when postmortem exposure has occurred.…”

“…in fires after pouring kerosene onto victims [2,3,4]. Using rats we have previously demonstrated (1) the usefulness of detecting TMBs, which are readily absorbed via the skin, in blood and tissues to estimate postmortem or antemortem dermal exposure [9], (2) the relationship between blood kerosene levels and area or amount of dermal exposure and (3) the usefulness of skin analysis to identify the petroleum product due to high concentrations of AHCs [10]. The purpose of this experimental study using rats was to evaluate whether skin analysis is still useful even after postmortem dermal exposure and/or burning.…”

Skin analysis to determine causative agent in dermal exposure to petroleum products

“…Systemic absorption of the kerosene components was considered mainly from dermal exposure. The concentrations in the blood sample were too low to obtain individual mass spectra, which is reasonable considering the elimination half-life of TMBs was about 3 h in a human case and Sprague-Dawley rats [3]. And the aromatic components almost disappeared at 24 h postexposure, which results in higher %AHCs than soon after the dermal exposure [12].…”

“…This is because (1) aliphatic hydrocarbons, essential components to discriminate petroleum products, tend to remain in skin [1,2], (2) aromatic hydrocarbons, relatively common components in most petroleum products, are easily absorbed via skin into blood-circulation [3], and (3) to analyze aliphatic components, a small amount of skin sample is adequate as compared to blood sample [1,2].…”

Changes in serum markers of oxidative status in Wistar rats following exposure to kerosene

“…Cho et al [19] have also revealed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon naphthalene, an environmental pollutant is a component of jet fuel (a kerosene-based fuel). Moreover, as many as four types of trimethylbenzenes have been identified in blood and tissues of rats following dermal kerosene exposure using capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry [20]. Many of these compounds are prone to free radical generation.…”