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Routes of Chemical Entry

All chemicals exist as solids, liquids, or gases. Solids have a definite shape and can become airborne as dust or fume particles. Liquids can become airborne as mists or vapors. Gases become airborne when not contained. These three chemical forms are common in the workplace.

Chemicals enter the body from one or more methods:

• Inhalation, the most common form of exposure, occurs when you breathe chemicals into your lungs through your nose or mouth.
• Absorption occurs when chemicals are absorbed through your skin and enter the blood stream.
• Ingestion occurs when you swallow something that ends up in the stomach. Ingestion doesn't just occur from eating contaminated food. Not washing your hands after handling a chemical and then eating, smoking, or wiping your mouth with your hand can all lead to chemical exposure.
• Injection occurs when chemicals enter the blood stream through a wound, cut, or puncture.