Skin Absorption of Mercury and its Compounds: Fact or Myth?

[force]

I heard and read that mercury and some of its compounds can get absorbed through the skin how could it do that ?

Aren't our skins soposed to be waterproof ? I don't think that while washing our hands with water the water pases through the epidermis.

 

[NeverDie]

Well actually, if you have ever gone swimming or have taken a long bath before, then you've probably noticed your fingers started to prune. I bilieve the pruning is caused by the absoption of water. Right? Because the water would flow into our cells because they have a lower conc of water than the surroundings.

So i supose that if this is the case then mercury could probably do the same.

 

[Evo]

Chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin. That's why you see "patches" for nicotine and birth control.

Here is a good site that discusses it.

http://www.cape.ca/children/derm2.html

 

[Moonbear]

Lipid soluble compounds can fairly easily pass through the skin, as can very small molecules. Water soluble compounds don't have as easy of a time, because the cell membrane has the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer facing "outward." They can still get in, but you'd have to soak for a much longer time. Actually, for anything passing through the skin, contact time is important.

 

[Mk]

Ah, so can I take my vitamins through my skin? Like wear patches that last a week?