Application of skin contamination studies of ammonia gas for management of hazardous material incidents

► We develop a protocol for testing skin absorption of toxic gases in HAZMAT scenarios. ► We apply this to ammonia for risk-based skin decontamination decision-making. ► Human skin penetration is generally low for exposures up to 1000 ppm for 30 min. ► Street clothing and environmental factors influence offgassing profiles and absorption. ► Findings can suggest future avenues for research.