The HazMat Guys

The HazMat Guys


THMG355 - Skin Absorption Science

September 02, 2022

Do you need to know how and why some chemicals go into your skin and some don’t? Well seek no further. Here are the answers!


Thank you to our sponsor: First Line Technology and W.L. Gore


Our subscription plans are blowing up (not literally). Head over to the website to upgrade your learning by enrolling in the Technician and Specialist levels for even more content.


Register and enroll at THMG e-University here. Courses being added weekly! Our hazardous materials training manual is finally available on Amazon! Click here to get your copy.


Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Thanks!


Follow us on the socials:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube


Thanks for listening and watching!


Don’t just get on the job, get into the job!


Episode Overview

In this episode, Bobby Salvesen and Michael Manco dive into the fascinating world of skin absorption, explaining the science behind how different chemicals interact with our skin. They cover the layers of skin, their functions, and how certain substances penetrate these layers. Additionally, they discuss the implications of skin absorption in hazmat scenarios, including practical advice on decontamination procedures.


Segment Breakdown and Timestamps

  1. Introduction and Sponsors
  • 00:00:12 - 00:02:04
  • Bobby and Michael introduce themselves and the topic of the episode. They also mention their sponsors, discussing the benefits of dry decontamination and advanced hazmat suits.
  1. Upcoming Events and Announcements
  • 00:02:04 - 00:04:47
  • The hosts share information about their upcoming events, including the next specialist happy hour and the Massachusetts conference. They encourage listeners to join and engage with the community.
  1. Introduction to Skin Absorption
  • 00:04:47 - 00:08:37
  • Michael begins the discussion on skin absorption, explaining the importance of understanding the skin’s structure to better grasp how substances penetrate it.
  1. Layers of the Skin: Epidermis
  • 00:08:37 - 00:12:10
  • The hosts describe the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, its sub-layers, and their roles. They touch on the protective function of the stratum corneum and the fascinating process of keratinization.
  1. Layers of the Skin: Dermis and Hypodermis
  • 00:12:10 - 00:13:49
  • Moving deeper, they explain the dermis, its connective tissues, sweat glands, and the hypodermis, which houses hair follicles and blood vessels.
  1. Skin as a Barrier: Water and Lipid Envelopes
  • 00:13:49 - 00:17:24
  • Discussion on the skin’s natural barriers, including the epidermal water barrier and the lipid envelope, which protect against various chemicals.
  1. Chemical Penetration and Hazmat Considerations
  • 00:17:24 - 00:21:03
  • The hosts discuss how different chemicals penetrate the skin and the importance of understanding these mechanisms for proper PPE selection and decontamination procedures.
  1. Research Insights on Skin Absorption
  • 00:21:03 - 00:25:07
  • Insights from scientific research on the variability of chemical penetration through the skin and its implications for hazmat professionals.
  1. Practical Decontamination Advice
  • 00:25:07 - 00:27:03
  • Practical tips on decontamination, emphasizing the importance of water solubility and the effectiveness of water in flushing off hazardous substances.
  1. Firefighting and Hazmat Crossover
  • 00:27:03 - 00:28:02
  • The hosts draw parallels between firefighting and hazmat handling, stressing the importance of proper decontamination to prevent long-term exposure to harmful substances.
  1. Closing Remarks
  • 00:28:02 - 00:28:56
  • Bobby and Michael wrap up the episode, encouraging listeners to connect via social media and subscribe for more content. They also highlight the benefits of their premium content and invite listeners to share their own experiences.

Key Moments

  • Dad Jokes and Casual Banter
  • 00:02:04 - 00:02:33
  • Bobby and Michael share some humorous anecdotes, adding a lighthearted touch to the episode.
  • Introduction to the Structure of Skin
  • 00:04:52 - 00:08:37
  • Michael provides a detailed explanation of the skin’s layers, setting the stage for understanding skin absorption.
  • Discussion on Skin’s Protective Mechanisms
  • 00:13:49 - 00:17:24
  • The hosts delve into how the skin’s natural barriers protect against various chemicals.


Resource Links and References


Guest Information

No guests were featured in this episode.


Concluding Summary and Call to Action

In this episode, Bobby and Michael provided an in-depth look at skin absorption, discussing the layers of skin, how chemicals penetrate these layers, and the importance of proper decontamination. They emphasized the need for research and understanding to effectively manage hazmat situations. Listeners are encouraged to connect with the hosts, subscribe to their premium content, and share their own hazmat stories.


Hazmat podcast, skin absorption, skin science, chemical penetration, decontamination methods, hazmat PPE, epidermis layers, dermis functions, hazmat training, firefighter safety, hazardous materials, skin protection, dry decon, wet decon, skin barriers, keratinocytes, lipid envelope, hazardous substances, chemical exposure, hazmat community, firefighter decontamination, skin absorption research, hazmat safety tips, hazardous chemical handling, skin structure, skin defense mechanisms, hazmat equipment, emergency decon, firefighter training, hazmat incidents, chemical safety, skin health in hazmat, protective suits, hazmat education, skin layers, firefighting cancer research, hazardous material exposure, skin absorption science, hazmat podcast episode, hazmat guys podcast, hazmat industry insights, emergency response, skin barrier properties, skin absorption properties