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Density

Glossary Index

Dermal toxicity

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Dermal

Definition

• Dermal refers to a something used on or applied to the skin.

• Transdermal refers to something (such as a medication or drug) being delivered through the skin. You may be familiar with transdermal nicotine or motion sickness patches which are applied to the skin.

MSDS Relevance

When you see this word on an MSDS, it is usually telling you that you need to wear proper skin protection such as gloves or an apron.

Some chemicals can move through the skin very easily and can carry toxic compounds along with them that would not ordinarily penetrate the skin by themselves. One such example is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a common industrial solvent. Always use extreme care around liquids and wear proper gloves for the solvents you are working with.

Chemical contact with skin can cause many conditions, one of which is dermatitis.

Further Reading

Dermal Exposure at OSHA explains how to prevent skin exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Glove selection and usage at the University of California, San Diego. Includes info about latex allergies and more. The U.S. CDC has a web site devoted to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which includes a page on Chemical Glove Selection. Skin Anatomy from Gray's Anatomy. The 3 skin layers: epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous fat at Procter & Gamble. The Annals of Emergency Medicine discusses Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation Exposure in Volume 33, Number 6, June 1999 (subscription required).

Train your workers on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with materials from Safety Emporium.

See also: cutaneous, dermal toxicity, dermatitis, PPE.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.