Which of the following is NOT a route of exposure to hazardous materials?

The correct answer is that observation is not a route of exposure to hazardous materials. Exposure to hazardous materials refers to the ways in which substances can enter the body and potentially cause harm. The primary routes of exposure are inhalation, injection, and swallowing.

Inhalation involves breathing in hazardous substances, which can enter the respiratory system and affect overall health. Injection can occur through needlesticks or other means when hazardous substances penetrate the dermal barrier directly into the bloodstream or tissue. Swallowing involves ingesting hazardous materials, leading to contamination of the digestive system and potentially causing serious health effects.

Observation, however, does not lead to exposure in the same way. It refers to the act of seeing or monitoring hazardous materials without direct contact or entry into the body. Understanding these routes is critical for recognizing how hazardous materials can pose health risks and for implementing appropriate safety measures.