Although many occupational dermal exposures are to powered solids, almost nothing is known about dermal absorption from these materials. In this study, we investigated absorption of pure powered chemicals (sieved to 38-65 um) into polydimethyl-siloxane (silicone rubber) membranes (200 - 350 um thick) meant to simulate human stratum corneum and compared these results to absorption from saturated aqueous solutions. Silicone rubber (SR) is essentially impermeable to water and has the advantage that surface oils or moisture are not present. Penetration of 4-cyanophenol (CP, Tm = 112C, MW = 119, logKow = 1.60) and methyl paraben (MP, Tm = 128oC, MW = 152, logKow = 1.96) through SR membranes was measured. Solutions and powders completely covered the membrane surface and the concentration in the receptor fluid was determined by HPLC. Penetration rates from the powders were almost the same as from the aqueous solutions. This is persuasive evidence that solid chemicals can dissolve into synthetic membranes and perhaps skin without the assistance of liquids. Studies of powdered MP and CP absorption into human skin are currently in progress and will be discussed. Significantly, chemical absorption from powders into protective clothing such as gloves may be the same as from liquid solutions of the same compound.