PRELIMINARY FINDINGS THAT KEROSENE ALTERS THE DISTRIBUTION OF TOPICALLY APPLIED BENZO[A]PYRENE IN MICE

The dermal route is important in occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), but other organs may be affected. We reported that kerosene-cleaning following treatment with used engine oil increased DNA adducts in the lungs of mice viz. animals treated with used oil alone. To determine the mechanism we topically applied ³ H-BAP(100 nmol in 25 μL acetone) and washed half the mice with 25 μL kerosene 1 h after carcinogen application. Groups of four mice were sacrificed from 1 to 72 h after treatment. Lung, liver, and skin were harvested. The fraction of the radiolabel remaining in the skin of animals treated with benzoa]pyrene (BAP) and washed with kerosene was significantly less than those not washed, beginning at 24 h (p < .05). Fractional distribution to the lungs and livers of these animals became significantly elevated. Kerosene increased transdermal water loss. Kerosene treatment compromises dermal barrier function, enhances carcinogen absorption, and alters organ distribution.