What is the fastest route of exposure to chemicals?

• A. Inhalation
• B. Eyes
• C. Skin
• D. Digestive system

Answer: (B)

The fastest route of exposure to many pesticides is through the eyes because the eye’s surface is a thin, moist mucous membrane with a rich blood supply. Substances dissolved in tears can pass quickly through the conjunctival and corneal epithelia into eye tissues and then into the bloodstream. Tearing and the drainage pathway toward nasal mucosa can also facilitate rapid absorption and systemic distribution. In comparison, the skin has a protective outer layer that slows absorption, the digestive tract requires ingestion and processing, and inhalation, while fast for many chemicals, depends on specific conditions. So, eye exposure can lead to rapid entry of the chemical into the body, which is why immediate flushing and treating eye exposures as emergencies is emphasized.