Is the skin an important exposure route for workers during cyanogen fumigation?

BACKGROUND Cyanogen is a toxic flammable gas used as a fumigant in numerous industries. Occupational exposure to cyanogen can occur during its production and use. The most serious human health risk from exposure to cyanogen is via the respiratory system. However, there is also potential for skin exp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pest management science 2020-04, Vol.76 (4), p.1443-1447
Main Authors: Gaskin, Sharyn, Thredgold, Leigh, Pisaniello, Dino, Logan, Michael, Baxter, Christina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cyanogen
dermal
Epidermis
ethanedinitrile
Exposure
Fabrics
Flammability
Flammable gases
fumigant
Fumigation
Health risks
Humans
in vitro
Mechanical ventilation
Nitriles
Occupational Exposure
Occupational health
Organic chemistry
Penetration
Protective clothing
Respiratory system
Risk assessment
Risk management
Skin
Skin Absorption
skin notation
Toxicology
Ventilation
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Summary:BACKGROUND Cyanogen is a toxic flammable gas used as a fumigant in numerous industries. Occupational exposure to cyanogen can occur during its production and use. The most serious human health risk from exposure to cyanogen is via the respiratory system. However, there is also potential for skin exposure in many workplace situations. The extent of skin absorption under occupational exposure scenarios has not been directly assessed. Understanding skin uptake potential may inform risk assessment and exposure control measures. RESULTS We describe an in vitro experimental system using human epidermis and dynamic atmosphere exposure to cyanogen to mimic potential workplace exposures. The influence of clothing and ventilation on skin permeation outcomes were also assessed. No evidence of transdermal permeation was found at 100 or 1000 ppm exposures, while permeation of 0.99 ± 0.38 μg cm−2 was observed after 60 min exposure to 10 000 ppm. Fabric on skin and skin ventilation had no additional influence on transdermal permeation compared with naked skin, but fabric provided a reservoir for potential secondary exposures. CONCLUSION Results show dermal uptake following cyanogen exposure is possible, but only at very high atmospheric concentrations (10 000 ppm after >15 min exposure). Importantly, this could have implications for fumigant applicators who may only be wearing personal respiratory protection. These empirical data may be used in conjunction with other relevant toxicological information in determining whether a Skin Notation is warranted for Workplace Exposure Standard setting. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry Skin is a potential exposure pathway for workers using cyanogen. This study shows human skin is a good barrier to high concentrations but should still be considered in exposure control measures.
ISSN:1526-498X
1526-4998
DOI:10.1002/ps.5657