Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

Which of the following are routes of exposure?

1. Inhalation and WNS

2. Inhalation and contact with mucous membranes

3. Ingestion and osmosis

4. Cutaneuous and ribosomal

The correct answer is: Inhalation and contact with mucous membranes

The correct choice involves inhalation and contact with mucous membranes as recognized routes of exposure. Inhalation is a well-documented route through which contaminants enter the body, affecting the respiratory system. Particles, gases, and vapors can be inhaled directly into the lungs, leading to systemic exposure. Contact with mucous membranes is also significant as these membranes line various parts of the body, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, and can absorb harmful substances directly into the bloodstream. This pathway is particularly relevant when considering substances that can irritate or damage these sensitive surfaces. On the other hand, inhalation combined with terms like WNS (which does not represent a standard exposure route) is not established in the context of recognized exposure pathways. Similarly, while ingestion is indeed a route of exposure, osmosis refers to a process of solvent movement through a semipermeable membrane, which is not categorized as a route of exposure involving substances entering the body. Cutaneous exposure pertains to skin contact, but references to ribosomal involvement are not applicable as they relate more to protein synthesis than exposure pathways. Thus, focusing on the scientifically accepted and direct routes of exposure clarifies why inhalation and contact with mucous membranes are the appropriate choices.