What is the most common route of exposure to hazardous materials?

Inhalation is considered the most common route of exposure to hazardous materials because many hazardous substances can easily become airborne, allowing individuals to breathe them in without physical contact with the material itself. This route of exposure is particularly concerning in emergency response scenarios, as it can occur rapidly in environments with chemical spills or releases. Inhaled hazardous materials can then quickly enter the bloodstream and affect internal organs, making this route both fast and dangerous.

Other routes, such as ingestion, injection, and absorption, are also significant but typically less common in the context of hazardous material incidents. For instance, ingestion requires the person to consume the material, injection involves a needle or cut, and absorption typically requires skin contact. While these methods can lead to serious exposure, inhalation is often the primary concern in many hazardous situations due to the efficiency and speed at which airborne contaminants can impact health.