First, measurements of dermal exposure can play an important role in hazard evaluation, helping in characterizing exposure pathways, in quantifying the magnitude and extent of skin contamination, and in evaluating variability in sources and worker
behaviour. In some workplaces the potential may appear obvious, and visual observations can provide a sufficient basis for gross categorization of workers, as in the case of auto body workers (DANIELL et al., 1992). In other cases dermal exposure is less predictable (e.g. episodic contact with contaminated equipment), and measurements may be required to identify sources and exposure pathways.