Which exposure route involves materials absorbed through the skin and is the second most common route?

• A. Inhalation
• B. Ingestion
• C. Dermal absorption
• D. Injection

Answer: (C)

Materials absorbed through the skin enter the body by crossing the skin barrier and moving into the blood vessels beneath. This dermal absorption is a recognized exposure route and tends to be the second most common route after inhalation in many settings, because the skin covers a large surface area and can allow permeation of many chemicals, especially those that are lipophilic or present in liquids that keep the skin moist. Inhalation is usually the dominant route due to the lungs’ rapid uptake, while ingestion and injection are less frequent pathways in typical environmental or occupational exposures. So, the description aligns with dermal absorption: substances penetrating the skin and reaching systemic circulation.