What Does
Inhalation Exposure Mean?
Inhalation exposure is when the body’s airways (mouth and nose) come into close proximity with airborne toxins and pollutants. The inhalation of contaminated air is the most likely way for different workplace toxins to enter the body. Toxins can also be inhaled and injested if things that come into close proximity with your airways, such as food and cigarettes, have been contaminated with toxins and/or pollutants.
Safeopedia Explains Inhalation Exposure
Air that had been contaminated with toxins and pollutants can easily be inhaled in the workplace if workers are not wearing the appropriate safety equipment. The average person will breathe between 10-15 breaths per minute. Every minute approximately 6 liters of air is inhaled. If that is contaminated, that will soon lead to illness. Some of the inhaled toxins will be expelled from the body by exhaling, coughing and sneezing, but this will not stop some of the contaminated residue from working its way into the blood stream.