For years, WHS strategies have focused on what workers breathe in.
But a growing body of evidence is highlighting a different exposure pathway — one that is often overlooked and significantly underestimated: skin absorption.
For HSE Managers across mining, emergency services, and heavy industry, this shift has serious implications.ce risk.
Introduction
In occupational health and safety (WHS), the focus has traditionally been on airborne hazards — what workers breathe in.
We mandate respirators, monitor air quality, and install ventilation systems.
However, emerging research and evolving regulations are shifting attention toward a more insidious threat:
Dermal absorption
For HSE Managers across mining, emergency services, and industrial sectors, three acronyms are becoming increasingly critical:
- PFAS
- PAHs
- Dioxins
These contaminants are persistent, complex, and often invisible — yet they represent a significant long-term risk to worker health.
Understanding how they behave — and how to control them — is now essential.
1. Different Mechanisms Require Different Control Strategies
Not all persistent organic pollutants behave the same way.
- Dioxins act primarily through a single receptor pathway
- PFAS operate through multiple biological mechanisms
This means one-size-fits-all decontamination does not work
Effective control requires:
- targeted chemistry
- immediate removal
- correct application method
2. These Contaminants Are Extremely Persistent
PFAS, PAHs, and dioxins are highly resistant to breakdown.
- PAHs are common in diesel soot and smoke
- Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen
Once on the skin, these contaminants do not simply wear off
Without intervention:
- they remain on the dermis
- natural oils assist absorption
- systemic exposure increases
3. PFAS Behave Differently in the Body
Unlike dioxins:
- PFAS bind to proteins
- accumulate in blood, liver, and kidneys
This changes how exposure is monitored
- Fat-based testing = ineffective
- Blood serum = current benchmark
4. Regulatory Standards Are Tightening Rapidly
Regulators are moving fast.
- PFAS limits now measured in nanograms per litre
- Standards are approaching detection limits
Direction is clear:
What was “acceptable” before
is now becoming non-compliant
5. Serum Levels Are Now a Health Indicator
Emerging guidance shows:
- PFAS > 20 ng/mL = increased health risk
For high-exposure industries:
- firefighting
- mining
- aviation
- heavy industry
Health monitoring is becoming essential.
6. Not All PFAS Are Equal
- Long-chain PFAS = higher persistence
- Short-chain PFAS = still risky
“PFAS-free” or “safer alternatives” ≠ zero risk
HSE Managers must:
- understand specific compounds onsite
- not rely on assumptions
7. Skin is a Major Exposure Pathway
This is the critical shift.
PAHs are:
- lipophilic (bind to oils)
- readily absorbed through skin
High-risk areas:
- face
- neck
- ears
- PPE interface zones
Heat + sweat:
* increases absorption rates significantly
* Standard soap and water is often not enough
8. PFAS Are Not Going Away
Unlike dioxins:
- PFAS were intentionally engineered
- still widely used
Elimination is slow
So:
Exposure control becomes the priority
9. Decontamination is a Critical Control Measure
Occupational cancer risk is strongly linked to PAHs.
Key principle:
Reduce skin contamination immediately
Practical protocol:
Step 1 – Targeted Decon
- Face
- Neck
- Ears
Step 2 – Full Body Wipe
- Arms
- Torso
- Legs
Step 3 – Secondary Decon
- Tools
- Steering wheels
- Equipment
This prevents cross-contamination and take-home exposure
10. Not All “Cleaning” is Equal
“Clean” is not measurable without evidence.
HSE Managers should look for:
- Scientific validation
- Dermatological safety
- Operational usability
Example:
- 91% removal of Benzo[a]pyrene (PAH)
- 94% for Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene
- 98% for the most harmful Dioxin (TCDD)
Results from a DeWipe single pass, as per scientific methodology ASTM D6661-17.
Independently tested by Manchester Metropolitan University, England.
Dermatologically Tested and rated “Excellent” for skin safety.
This is the level of evidence required today.
Bridging the Gap: From Knowledge to Action
Understanding risk is only half the job.
Implementation is what matters.
For decontamination to work:
- it must be accessible
- it must be fast
- it must be used consistently
Whether on a:
- mine site
- fireground
- industrial facility
The goal is the same:
Reduce toxic load on skin immediately
Summary of Key Evidence
The table below summarises how these contaminants differ in source, risk, and decontamination priority:
Request a Decontamination Review
Importantly, effective decontamination requires more than traditional washing methods. Field-ready, including waterless solutions that enable immediate removal of contaminants at the point of exposure are becoming an increasingly important part of modern WHS protocols.
Is your current WHS protocol addressing dermal exposure risk?
Many standard cleaning processes:
- fail to remove microscopic PAHs
- allow contaminants to remain on skin
DeWipe Australasia provides:
- Scientifically validated solutions
- 100% biodegradable products
- Practical, field-ready systems
- Multiple format options
Take the next step:
✔ Request a 10-minute decontamination review
✔ Book a site trial
✔ Assess your current protocols against latest research
👉 Visit dewipe.au
