Dermal (percutaneous skin) absorption is a global term that describes the transport of chemicals from the outer surface of the skin both into the skin and into the systemic circulation. Dermal absorption can occur from occupational environmental or consumer skin exposure to chemicals cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. This new volume in the Environmental Health Criteria Series presents an overview of dermal absorption and its consideration in the risk assessment of chemicals. It describes the methods available to assess dermal absorption the significance of skin as a route of exposure and the interpretation of results of dermal absorption studies for risk assessment. In addition it presents and discusses current topics of interest in the field of dermal absorption. This book will be useful to biology and toxicology scientists and researchers as well as to regulatory authorities and the chemical industry.