What is the means by which the contaminant actually enters or contacts the body such as ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact?

• A. Exposure Point
• B. Source
• C. Exposure Route
• D. Receptor Population

Answer: (C)

The central idea here is the route of exposure—the path a contaminant takes to contact or enter the body. Ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact are all routes of exposure because they describe the means by which exposure actually occurs. Recognizing this helps you target controls and assessments to the specific way a person can be exposed.

Think of it this way: the exposure route is the mechanism of entry or contact. The exposure point would be the location where contact occurs (for example, the mouth, lungs, or skin surface), the source is where the contaminant originated, and the receptor population is who might be exposed. So the option that best fits “the means by which the contaminant actually enters or contacts the body” is the route of exposure.