The Routes of Exposure

Hazardous materials can have different effects on human health depending on how they enter the body.

They can enter the body in the following ways, and they are called the Routes of Exposure:

Inhalation	Injection	Ingestion	Absorption
Many chemicals and other hazardous substances release fumes, vapours or tiny particulates.  Breathing these can cause severe respiratory problems.	Enter the body through cuts or open skin.  Injection routes let the contaminant straight into your bloodstream and often leads to severe health problems.	Failing to properly remove contaminated clothing or wash hands. Eating or drinking contaminated foodstuffs can cause severe digestive problems and other severe health problems.	Not using PPE and not properly cleaning oneself down.  Many chemicals can easily seep through the many layers of skin into the bloodstream and cause severe skin disorders.