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Direct contact with skin or eyes

• When a chemical comes into direct contact with your skin or exposed mucous membranes.
• Does not penetrate (break) the epidermis.
• Allows the chemical to be absorbed into your dermis or membranes.
• Can enter the blood stream through this route.
• Can cause a chemical burn or an abrasion.
• Will damage the epidermis and mucous membrane allow for the potential of infection to occur.

Inhalation

• A chemical releases fumes, vapors, dust, smoke, gases, and fumes that you directly inhale.
• Either through nasal or oral passages.
• Enables chemical vapors to come into direct contact through your respiratory system.
• Can be absorbed through dermal and mucous membranes.

Ingestion

• When a chemical enters by consumption.
• Can also result due to handling anything that is then placed in your mouth.
• Therefore the following are not permitted in laboratory areas:
• Food, beverages, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, putting pens/pencils/other objects in your mouth.
• It is also required for everyone to wash their hands before leaving as the surfaces may have chemical residue.

Ingestion

• When a chemical enters by consumption.
• Can also result due to handling anything that is then placed in your mouth.
• Therefore the following are not permitted in laboratory areas:
• Food, beverages, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, putting pens/pencils/other objects in your mouth.
• It is also required for everyone to wash their hands before leaving as the surfaces may have chemical residue.