In vitro absorption of cobalt and cobalt compounds through human skin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
In vitro dermal absorption of cobalt and cobalt compounds through human skin.
IRAS ID
260318
Contact name
Robert P Chilcott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 2 days
Research summary
An in vitro human skin absorption study to assess the penetration of four cobalt substances of varying physicochemical properties. Each test item will be tested at two different concentrations, with an eight hour exposure and twenty-four hour sampling period. The purpose of the project is to provide data to inform on the potential for dermal absorption (and potential systemic uptake), which will be incorporated into a workplace risk assessment for the relevant cobalt substances. There is a growing requirement and concern within the cobalt industry to assess the absorption (and potential systemic uptake) of representative cobalt substances. The reason for this concern is due to the fact that some cobalt substances are classified as skin sensitisers and at present there are no alternative substances to replace their use in a wide range of products. The data acquired from this study will be used as scientific evidence for UK and international regulatory submissions. This study will purchase human skin from tissue bank repositories generally from cosmetic reduction surgeries which have been ethically resourced in line with donor consent and IRB / HTA approval. Therefore, there will be no means of identifying the donor from the tissues. A generic skin diffusion experiment will be performed in line with OECD 428. Samples will be analysed by ICP-MS or ICP-OES to quantify the amount of cobalt in the different experimental matrices.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0809
Date of REC Opinion
14 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion