Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which is not a major route through which toxic materials can enter the body?

1. Inhalation

2. Skin absorption

3. Injection

4. Ingestion

The correct answer is: Injection

Injection is not typically considered a major route for toxic materials to enter the body in general discussions about occupational exposure or toxicology. While it can be a route of exposure, especially in specific situations such as drug administration or exposure to hazardous materials through medical handling, it is less common in everyday environmental or occupational scenarios compared to the other pathways listed. Inhalation is a primary route for many types of gases, vapors, and aerosols, allowing substances to enter the respiratory system directly. Skin absorption is significant because many chemicals can penetrate the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. Ingestion is a common route for chemicals and toxins, as it involves consuming contaminated food or liquid. Thus, while injection can occur, particularly in specific medical or laboratory contexts, it is not acknowledged as a major route of exposure in the broader context used for safety practices and toxic material discussions.