In contrast to inhalative absorption, knowledge about percutaneous absorption of potentially hazardous chemicals is relatively sparse. In this study we used dermal microdialysis techniques to measure kinetics of percutaneous absorption of 2-butoxyethanol (BE), a widely used solvent.Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized (thiopental) and abdominal hair was clipped. Linear microdialysis membranes (diameter 0.2 mm, cutoff 20 kD) were inserted intracutaneously at a length of 15 mm guided by a canula (25 G) and perfused with isotonic sodium chloride solution at a rate of 15 μl/min. BE (0.3 ml) was applied for one hour in a metal chamber (diameter 1 cm) which was glued on the skin above the membranes. After exposure of one hour the chamber was rinsed with sodium chloride solution three times. Samples of the perfusate were taken before and at the end of exposure and at 1 hour intervals after the exposure for 3 hours.BE concentration in the perfusate increased during exposure, peaked in the first post-exposure interval (270 μg/ml) and then declined again to reach baseline level about 3 hours after exposure. No increase above the detection limit of 4 μg/ml was found in a non treated control area. From the butoxyacetic acid concentration (main metabolite of BE) measured in urine at the end of the experiment the total amount of BE absorbed during the experiment could be estimated to be about 500 μg.Dermal microdialysis is an excellent tool for measurement of kinetics of percutaneous absorption. Further studies will be performed on the effect of an impaired barrier function and barrier creams.