Percutaneous absorption of [7.10-14C]benzo[a]pyrene and [7,12-14C]dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in mice

The Gulf Oil Spill

“…In vitro absorption of benzo [a]pyrene through guinea pig skin demonstrated similar results; 67% absorption in a 24-hour exposure (Ng et al 1992). Seven days after exposure to 125 µg/cm 2 benzo[a]pyrene, 80% of the total recovered radioactivity was eliminated in the feces of mice (Sanders et al 1986). The site of application still retained 7% of the recovered radioactivity after 7 days.…”

“…Variation in excretion is influenced by smoking habits, and consumption of alcohol. (Ng et al 1992;Sanders et al 1986;Wester et al 1990;Yang et al 1989 (Ng et al 1992). Approximately 73% of the administered dose was absorbed dermally by 7 days postexposure; most of the dose was absorbed by day 3.…”

“…The elimination of benzo[a]pyrene was rapid and high in mice and guinea pigs following low-and high-level dermal exposure (Ng et al 1992;Sanders et al 1986). The percentages of recovered radioactivity in urine and feces were 24.5%, 46.9%, and 25% for Swiss Webster mice dermally exposed to benzo[a]pyrene at 1.25, 12.5, and 125 µg/cm 2 , respectively, for 7 days (Sanders et al 1986).…”

“…The percentages of recovered radioactivity in urine and feces were 24.5%, 46.9%, and 25% for Swiss Webster mice dermally exposed to benzo[a]pyrene at 1.25, 12.5, and 125 µg/cm 2 , respectively, for 7 days (Sanders et al 1986). The feces in the high-dose animals had 35%, 58%, and 80% of the total recovered radioactivity after 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days, respectively.…”

“…The absorption and distribution of PAHs in various species would be expected to be similar based on the lipophilicity of the compounds. In general, percutaneous absorption of PAHs in several animal species appears to be rapid and high (Ng et al 1992;Sanders et al 1986;Wester et al 1990;Yang et al 1989). This suggests that dermal absorption in humans may also occur rapidly; however, the extent of absorption may vary depending on the vehicle.…”