Which route of exposure enters through the skin?

• A. Cutaneous/Skin Absorption
• B. Inhalation
• C. Injection
• D. Ocular

Answer: (A)

Dermal exposure, or cutaneous absorption, is the route that involves chemicals entering the body through the skin. This happens when a substance makes contact with the skin and penetrates the outer barrier (the skin) to reach the bloodstream. It’s different from inhalation, which brings substances in via the lungs; ocular exposure, which involves the eyes; and injection, which bypasses the skin by delivering directly into tissues. Dermal absorption can occur even with brief contact if the chemical is able to penetrate the skin, and factors like how long you’re exposed, the condition of the skin, and the chemical’s properties (such as lipophilicity and molecular size) influence how much gets absorbed. This is why protective gloves, good hygiene, and proper decontamination are key controls for preventing skin exposure.