Potential Skin Absorption and Irritation
Information on skin absorption is provided in the ACGIH publication, Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and in OSHA standard 29 CFR Part 1910.1000 and other standard references. These documents identify substances that can be readily absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes, and/or eyes by either airborne exposure or direct contact with a liquid.
This information, like most available information on skin absorption, is qualitative. It indicates whether, but not to what extent, a substance may pose a dermal hazard. Thus, decisions made concerning skin hazards are necessarily judgmental.
Many chemicals, although not absorbed through the skin, may cause skin irritation at the point of contact. Signs of skin irritation range from redness, swelling, or itching to burns that destroy skin tissue. Standard references can be used to determine whether a chemical may act as an irritant.
Potential Eye Irritation
Quantitative data on eye irritation are not always available. Where a review of the literature indicates that a substance causes eye irritation, but no threshold is specified, have a competent health professional evaluate the data to determine the level of personal protection needed for on-site workers.
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3-4. What are signs of skin irritation from contact with a chemical?
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