In the assessment and evaluation of the toxic characteristics of a substance, determination
of acute dermal toxicity is useful where exposure by the dermal route is likely. It provides
information on health hazards likely to arise from a short-term exposure by the dermal route.
Data from an acute dermal toxicity study may serve as a basis for classification and labelling.
It is an initial step in establishing a dosage regimen in subchronic and other studies and may
provide information on dermal absorption and the mode of toxic action of a substance by this
route.