Kinetic transport of pesticide from contaminated fabric through a model skin

Most protective clothing research for workers exposed to pesticides has focused on the primary dermal exposure that results from direct contact with the pesticide and on the penetration, versus repellency, of protective materials. The role of absorption and retention in the function of traditional clothing materials to limit pesticide exposure has received less attention. This project investigates the transfer of pesticides from contaminated work clothing in the dry state to human skin with the goal of furthering our understanding of the role of absorption and retention in the function of traditional clothing materials. Our objective was to study the use of synthetic membrane to evaluate the kinetic transport of pesticide from contaminated clothing through human skin. Transport of pesticide through the test system with and without the presence of fabric was characterized by a three-parameter single exponential rise to maximum equation. The synthetic membrane system was an appropriate model for human skin in this situation. Starching applied to the fabric gave additional absorption and retention, reducing pesticide transport from the fabric to the skin, and heavier weight fabric, such as denim, provided protection through absorption and retention of the pesticide.