#630 Dermal penetration
Objective of the study
The objective of the dermal penetration (or dermal absorption) study is to provide a measurement of the absorption through the skin of the active substance and the toxicologically relevant compounds in the formulated pesticide.
Circumstances under which the study is recommended to be required
A dermal penetration study should be conducted when dermal exposure is a significant exposure route, and no acceptable risk is estimated using default absorption values (if applicable).
A risk assessment assuming that dermal absorption is equal to oral absorption is recommended to be performed to determine if the study is recommended, and to identify the doses and duration of exposure for which dermal absorption is to be quantified.
Test organism
The dermal penetration study is conducted preferably using human skin in vitro. However, in vitro mammalian animal skin, or in vivo methods, may also be acceptable.
Test substance
Typical end-use product – both the concentrated formulation and in-use dilution.
Sometimes technical grade active ingredient is also assessed.
Typical endpoints of the study
Typical endpoints of the dermal penetration study include (among others):
- overall recoveries of the experiment;
- absorption data, expressed as rate, amount or percentage
Test guidelines
The following test guidelines may be used for the acute neurotoxicity study:
- OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 427: Skin absorption: In vivo method
- OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals. Test No. 428: Skin absorption: In vitro method
- US EPA Health Effects Test Guidelines. OPPTS 870.7600 Dermal Penetration
- EC Testing Method B.44. Skin absorption: In vivo method. Council Regulation (EC) No 440/2008
- EC Testing Method B.45. Skin absorption: In vitro method. Council Regulation (EC) No 440/2008