A great deal of attention about chemical dangers in the workplace gets focused on inhalation as an exposure route, but skin contact – especially via busy hands -- can also result in significant harm to human health. In many cases, skin is a more significant route of exposure than the lung. This is particularly true for non-volatile chemicals which are relatively toxic and can remain on work surfaces for long periods of time. Toxins can damage the skin directly, be absorbed into the body through the skin or enter the body via hand-to-mouth transfer. Many studies indicate that absorption of chemicals through the skin can occur without being noticed by the worker.
How widespread is the need for chemical barriers? Skin exposure to chemicals in the workplace is a significant problem in the U.S. Both the number of cases and the rate of skin disease exceed recordable respiratory illnesses. In its Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards1, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identifies approximately 450 organic substances for which skin protection is required.