Eccrine sweat is composed of approximately how much water?

Eccrine sweat is primarily composed of water, accounting for about 99% of its content. This high water content is essential for the thermoregulation function of eccrine sweat glands, as the evaporation of sweat from the skin surface helps to cool the body down. The remaining 1% consists of various solutes such as salts (primarily sodium chloride), urea, and other metabolites, which can vary in concentration based on hydration levels and other physiological factors. This understanding of eccrine sweat composition is crucial in the context of forensic science because it can impact latent print development and the chemical analysis of fingerprints left at a crime scene. Recognizing that eccrine sweat is almost entirely water helps clarify its role in the formation of latent prints.