title: Dermal and pulmonary absorption of ethanol from alcohol-based hand rub.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ethanol intoxication of healthcare workers (HCWs) using alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) in the workplace is a potentially serious issue. This study quantified the level of ethanol absorption among HCWs after hygienic hand disinfection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-six HCWs from Nancy University Hospital were tested before and after a 4-h shift. Participants used ABHR containing 70% ethanol. Levels of ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate in blood and urine were determined using gas chromatography. A breathalyzer was used to measure the level of ethanol in expired air.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ethanol [mean concentration 0.076 (standard deviation 0.05) mg/L] was detected in the expired air of 28 HCWs 1-2 min post exposure. Ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetate were undetectable in blood after a 4-h shift, and urine tests were negative in all participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ethanol exposure from ABHR, particularly inhalation of vapours, resulted in positive breathalyzer readings 1-2 min after exposure. Dermal absorption of ethanol was not detected. Pulmonary absorption was detected but was below toxic levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environment and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nancy University, Nancy, France. djihane.lecheheb-ahmed@medecine.uhp-nancy.fr
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ahmed-Lecheheb
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cunat
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hartemann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hautemanière
mesh_terms: D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D000293:Adolescent; D000327:Adsorption; D000328:Adult; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001944:Breath Tests; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006235:Hand Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D000431:Ethanol; D000079:Acetaldehyde; D019342:Acetic Acid