Occupational intake by dermal exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in pulp mill industry

Abstract

The extent of probable intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) from exposure to process liquor, effluent, sludge, and pulp contaminated with dioxins/furans in pulp mills was examined. It is expected that intake of dioxins/furans by skin exposure may exceed their intake by inhalation. Limiting skin exposure to these chemicals should receive similar emphasis as inhalation exposure to volatile chemicals. Because of an inadequate scientific data base, assumptions erring toward safety had to be made in estimating the intake from potential exposures. Therefore, the calculated intakes are likely to be overestimates.