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From: Chemical Hazards Handbook
Section: 2 Chemicals and Chemistry - Toxicity -

Routes of exposure

Chemicals enter the body by three main routes: through the lungs (inhalation); through the skin (dermal absorption); and by being swallowed (ingestion). They can also enter through the eyes. Chemicals can have local effects, such as damaging the skin, but may also be absorbed into the body and affect other, distant parts of the body (systemic effects).

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