Journal of toxicology and environmental health
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J Toxicol Environ Health · Oct 1983
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): dermal absorption, systemic elimination, and dermal wash efficiency.
The objectives of this study were to determine the dermal absorption, systemic elimination, and dermal wash efficiency for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). 14C-Labeled 42% PCB and 14C-labeled 54% PCB were topically and parenterally administered to rhesus monkeys and guinea pigs. Dermal absorption, determined by 14C urinary excretion, was extensive. In guinea pigs, 33% of the applied 14C-labeled 42% PCB dose and 56% of the 14C-labeled 54% PCB dose were absorbed. ⋯ Only 50-65% of an intramuscular dose could be accounted for in urine and feces for up to 28 d excretion. The elimination half-lives following topical administration were not much greater than that following intramuscular administration. This suggests that PCBs are rapidly and extensively absorbed through the skin, and that they are then probably generally distributed throughout the body, and then slowly eliminated.