Holmes, Jr., K.K.,
Shirai, J.H., Richter, K.Y., and Kissel, J.C. (1999). "Field Measurement
of Dermal Soil Loadings in Occupational and Recreational Activities,"
Environ. Res. 80:148-157.
Abstract
Risks associated with dermal exposure to contaminated soil are not well-characterized, but nevertheless must be estimated to define endpoints for remedial strategies. Among the parameters contributing to the uncertainty of these estimates is soil adherence to skin. Pre- and post-activity soil loadings have been obtained from hands, forearms, lower legs, faces, and/or feet of volunteers engaged in various occupational and recreational activities. These data are distinguished from other sources of estimates of soil adherence by the manner of their collection. Soil loads were obtained directly from multiple body parts before and after uncontrived exposure scenarios. Data presented for the first time here supplement prior results and roughly double the available data base. This expanded data base provides useful perspective on types of behavior likely to lead to soil contact falling within general classes of activity (e.g., background, low, moderate or high contact). Prior conclusions supported by the additional data include the following: 1) post-activity loadings are typically higher than pre-activity levels, demonstrating that exposure is episodic; 2) hand loadings are dependent upon class of activity; 3) hand loadings generally provide conservative estimates of loadings on non-hand body parts within activity classes; and 4) hand loadings do not provide conservative estimates of non-hand loadings across activity classes. Finally quantitative estimates of relative loads on unclothed non-hand body parts are presented.
