Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

In a flood damaged area, how can exposure to contaminants occur?

1. Skin absorption

2. Submersion

3. Inhalation

4. Puncture wound

The correct answer is: Submersion

In a flood-damaged area, exposure to contaminants can occur through submersion. When individuals are submerged in floodwaters, they are often exposed to a wide range of harmful substances. These can include chemicals from industrial facilities, sewage, pesticides, and other hazardous materials that may have been carried into the water by flooding. Submersion in contaminated water can lead to a direct intake of these harmful substances through the skin or, in some cases, through accidental ingestion if water is swallowed. Therefore, the risk of exposure is particularly high in flood situations, where the water may be heavily polluted. The other options, while they represent valid means of exposure to contaminants in general, are not the most prevalent risks associated specifically with floodwaters. For example, skin absorption can occur, but during flooding, the focus is more on the immediate and overwhelming risks posed by direct contact and submersion in contaminated water. Inhalation of contaminants can happen as well, especially if there are aerosols or particles in the air, but the act of being submerged exposes individuals to a larger extent of hazardous material. Puncture wounds can lead to infections or contamination, but they are less common in the context of general flood exposure compared to the widespread opportunity for submersion