Which type of pesticide solution is most likely absorbed through the skin?

Oil-based solutions are generally more likely to be absorbed through the skin compared to other types of pesticide formulations. This is due to the nature of oil and its ability to dissolve certain substances, including lipophilic (fat-loving) compounds that can readily penetrate the skin's barrier. The skin's outer layer, known as the stratum corneum, is primarily lipid-based, making it more permeable to substances that are also oil-soluble.

Water-based solutions, on the other hand, are less effective at penetrating the skin's barrier because water is not able to dissolve oily compounds effectively. Liquid solutions can encompass both oil and water bases, but if not specifically oil-based, they may not have the same absorption potential as oil-based solutions. Powdered solutions tend to present a lower risk of skin absorption because they are not in a liquid form and typically do not easily penetrate the skin without additional solvents or emulsifiers to aid in their absorption. Thus, the oil-based formulations pose the highest risk for skin absorption due to their compatibility with the skin's lipid structure.