What is the most serious dermal exposure?

• A. Pesticide mixed with water across the skin barrier and into the bloodstream
• B. Pesticide mixed with oil crosses the skin barrier and into the bloodstream
• C. Pesticide on the skin as dry powder
• D. Inhalation of pesticide fumes while skin contact occurs

Answer: (B)

Dermal absorption depends on how the pesticide is formulated. Oil-based formulations penetrate the skin more readily because oil dissolves many pesticides that are lipophilic and helps them cross the skin’s outer fatty barrier into the bloodstream. Water-based formulations can still be absorbed, but generally not as quickly for many pesticides. Dry powder on the skin tends to stay on the surface and is less likely to be absorbed rapidly unless moisture or rubbing facilitates dissolution. Inhalation is a separate exposure route and isn’t dermal. So an oil-based pesticide crossing the skin into the bloodstream represents the most serious dermal exposure.