This paper provides a general introduction to the occurrence, epidemiology, and toxicity of some of the most common contaminants of water supplies, the volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). The VOCs are formed from the reaction of chlorine during disinfection with naturally occurring carbon in the form of humic acids. The VOCs may also enter water supplies as a result of manufacturing, processing, distribution, and urban and agricultural run off. Their occurrence is summarized in this paper.
No epidemiologic studies examine the health effects where skin is the sole route of exposure. However, in several studies skin is one of the routes of exposure for VOCs. These are summarized in this paper.
Finally, the toxicity of some of the more important VOCs is summarized. Where possible, similarities in toxicity between individual members of this class of chemical contaminants are noted. There are striking similarities of toxicity of various VOCs in the liver, kidney, and hematopoietic system. These similarities should be considered as skin exposure models are being developed.
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