Chemicals may use the following routes of entry:
:red_cross: Respiratory route: Solid contaminants, especially dusts, are transported by the respiratory route.
:red_cross: Respiratory Pathway:* Solid contaminants, especially dust, are carried by the air we inhale; larger particles are retained in the upper respiratory tract and are eliminated by the upper respiratory tract.
air we inhale; larger particles are retained in the upper respiratory tract and are eliminated by expiration or expectoration; solid contaminants, especially dust, are carried by the air we inhale.
expiration or expectoration; however, small particles can reach the lung tissue of the alveoli.
The skin constitutes a natural barrier of defense against external aggressions.
external aggressions, however, certain chemicals have the property of passing through the epidermis and the dermis reaches the superficial blood capillaries.
the superficial blood capillaries. The dermal penetration of a pollutant will depend on its concentration and its physico-chemical characteristics, especially in the dermis.
physicochemical characteristics, especially its lipid/water partition.
:red_cross: Digestive route: The possibility of occupational intoxications by the gastrointestinal route
is practically reduced to individual actions derived from incorrect hygienic sanitary practices, such as drinking, eating, smoking in the workplace or with dirty hands,
eating, smoking in the workplace or with dirty hands.
:red_cross: Parenteral route. Penetration of substances can occur through ulcers, wounds, mucosal inflammation, etc. In these cases the natural protective barrier has been altered and the contaminant has no obstacles to its entry into the bloodstream.
bloodstream.