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Criteria for skin notation in different countries
Author(s) -
Nielsen Jesper B.,
Grandjean Philippe
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.10340
Subject(s) - notation , medicine , hazard , risk analysis (engineering) , mathematics , chemistry , arithmetic , organic chemistry
Background Skin notation criteria was introduced almost 50 years ago as a qualitative indicator of a hazard related to dermal absorption at work. However, risk is not a qualitative term, but needs a quantitative measure to be useful for prevention. For this reason, some countries have developed alternative criteria for assigning skin notations to industrial chemicals. Methods The present analysis compares the current use of skin notations on lists of exposure limits for industrial chemicals in six countries. Results Up to one‐third of industrial chemicals listed now have a skin notation. The criteria for assigning skin notation differ but cannot explain the substantial discrepancies between countries that otherwise have very comparable occupational exposure limits (OELs). Conclusions The increasing number of chemicals with a skin notation requires a new approach to differentiating between degrees of risk. The first step will be to address the problems related to criteria for assigning skin notations, and the effect of penetration enhancers and mixtures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:275–280, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.