Which of the following is NOT a primary route of chemical exposure for employees?

The correct answer indicates that absorption through the skin is not considered a primary route of chemical exposure for employees. However, this is a misunderstanding of how chemicals can enter the body.

In fact, skin absorption is a significant route through which chemicals can penetrate the human body. Chemicals can easily pass through the skin barrier if they are of the right size and solubility, leading to potential health risks. Therefore, skin absorption is indeed classified as a primary route of exposure, along with inhalation and ingestion.

The other choices—inhalation, contact, and swallowing—are well-established primary routes for chemical exposure. Inhalation involves breathing in harmful substances, contact refers to skin or eye contact with chemicals, and swallowing pertains to ingesting chemicals accidentally or intentionally. All these routes represent significant risks in various work environments, emphasizing the importance of proper safety protocols to mitigate exposure.

In summary, understanding the routes of chemical exposure is critical for workplace safety, and recognizing skin absorption as a valid route is important for developing effective safety measures and training for employees.