Dermal absorption and skin damage following hydrofluoric acid exposure in an ex vivo human skin model. (25th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dennerlein, Kathrin; Kiesewetter, Franklin; Kilo, Sonja; Jäger, Thomas; Göen, Thomas; Korinth, Gintautas; Drexler, Hans
• Is Part Of: Toxicology letters. Volume 248(2016)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2016-04-25
• Subjects: CAS chemical abstract service -- HF hydrofluoric acid -- KOH potassium hydroxide -- LC-ICP-MS liquid chromatography linked with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry -- NaCl sodium chloride -- pKa negative decadic logarithm of the ionisation constant of an acid -- SD standard deviation -- SEM standard error of the mean; Hydrofluoric acid -- Ex vivo human skin model -- Diffusion cell -- Percutaneous absorption -- Skin damage; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 363.179
• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.02.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-4274

Abstract

Highlights: The dermal absorption and skin damaging potential of HF was assessed ex vivo . Fluoride rapidly penetrates human skin under formation of a notable skin reservoir. Epidermal alterations are obvious already after exposure to 5% HF for 3 min. HF concentration is the main factor determining absorption and skin damage. Abstract: The wide industrial use of hydrofluoric acid (HF) poses a high risk for accidental dermal exposure. Despite local and systemic hazards associated with HF, information on percutaneous penetration and tissue damage is rare. In the present ex vivo study, the dermal absorption of HF (detected in terms of fluoride ions) was quantified and the skin damaging potential as a function of concentration and exposure duration was assessed. Percutaneous penetration of HF (c = 5, 30, and 50%) at 3 exposure durations (3, 5, and 10 min) was investigated in a static diffusion cell model using freshly excised human skin. Alterations of skin were histologically evaluated. HF rapidly penetrated through skin under formation of a considerable intradermal reservoir (∼13–67% of total absorbed fluoride). Histologically, epidermal alterations were detected already after exposure to 5% HF for 3 min. The degree of skin damage increased with rising concentration and exposure duration leading to coagulation necrosis. For HF concentrations of ≥30%, skin damage progressed into deeper skin layers. Topically applied HF concentration was the principal parameter determining HF induced skin effects. The intradermal HF retention capacity associated with progression and prolongation of HF induced skin effects must be considered in the review of skin decontamination procedures.