What is the most common route for chemical exposure?

In the context of chemical exposure, inhalation is recognized as the most common and significant route for encountering hazardous substances. Many occupational settings expose workers to chemicals that can easily become airborne, allowing individuals to inhale toxic vapors, dust, or mist. This route can lead to rapid absorption of chemicals into the bloodstream and can cause immediate health effects, particularly affecting the respiratory system.

While contact with skin or eyes, swallowing, and injection are also important routes of exposure, they tend to be less frequent in many work environments. Skin contact can occur from handling materials without proper protective equipment, but inhalation is more prevalent because it involves airborne contaminants that workers might not even realize they are breathing in. Therefore, recognizing inhalation as the primary route emphasizes the need for effective ventilation systems and respiratory protection in workplaces dealing with hazardous chemicals.