Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

How can hazardous substances enter the body?

1. Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion

2. Injection, skin contact, digestion

3. Inhalation, oral contact, injection

4. Skin contact, ingestion, environmental exposure

The correct answer is: Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion

Hazardous substances can enter the body through three primary routes: inhalation, skin absorption, and ingestion. Inhalation refers to the breathing in of airborne particles or gases, which can lead to substances entering the respiratory system and subsequently the bloodstream. This is a common route for many hazardous materials, especially volatile compounds or fine particulates. Skin absorption involves hazardous substances penetrating the skin barrier. This can occur through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or substances that are in liquid form, allowing them to permeate the skin and enter the systemic circulation. Ingestion occurs when hazardous materials are accidentally swallowed, which can happen through eating or drinking contaminated food or liquids, or through hand-to-mouth contact after handling hazardous materials. These pathways highlight the significant risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances, underscoring the importance of safety measures to minimize contact and potential health impacts. The other options, while mentioning some methods of exposure, do not fully encompass the primary routes recognized in health and safety protocols.