Background Because of its chemical-physical properties, 2-ethoxyethyl acetate (EEAc) can penetrate through the skin. However, no actual occupational environmental studies or empirical dermal exposure measurements have been performed. Methods Twenty workers from a commercial label silk screening shop were recruited and they completed a questionnaire of demographic information. Environmental monitoring of EEAc exposure via respiratory and dermal routes was performed for five consecutive working days. Results Airborne EEAc concentration was over the permissible exposure limit of 5 ppm in 90% of the participants. The dermal EEAc concentration was highest on the palms. The EEAc concentration correlated with skin exposure level (P < 0.001). The dermal EEAc concentrations in individuals who did not wear gloves were higher than in those who wore gloves. Conclusions EEAc oil the skin is strongly associated with airborne EEAc. Wearing impermeable gloves during high-risk tasks (cleaning process) call reduce EEAc dermal exposure oil the palms.
Date:
2009-08
Relation:
American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 2009 Aug;52(8):654-661.
