Despite growing evidence that dermal exposure is substantially contributing to significant occupational illness, dermal hazards in the workplace are largely unrecognized due to both the absence of health standards or guidelines and the rudimentary methods of assessment. To substantiate this assertion, we developed and are administering a dermal exposure survey to 20 industries in the Baltimore, Maryland and southern Pennsylvania regions. One half of the industries surveyed will have fewer than 40 employees. The survey includes a plant walk-through and questionnaires administered to workers and the health and safety officer.

Details about chemicals, job tasks, activities, use of PPE, training, supervision, and available controls will be collected. We will present the study design, dermal questionnaire, and preliminary results from industries sampled during the summer of 2002. Through this research we will identify the extent of dermal exposure and the need for better recognition, evaluation and control of dermal hazards. We expect the preliminary results to show unrecognized dermal hazards across various industries and the ineffective use of control strategies including improper use of PPE. This study is intended to provide access and lay the groundwork for future investigations that will include quantitative exposure assessment, an evaluation of the effectiveness of controls, and ultimately, an intervention study to test strategies for minimizing workplace dermal exposure.