Routes of Exposure

Once the risk is identified, an action must occur that moves the risk to an actual exposure. The routes of exposure listed below highlight the ways you could have an exposure to biological infectious agents.

Injection

• puncture resulting in transmission to bloodstream/tissues

Inhalation

• droplet (a form of direct contact with secretions of an infected person expelled a short distance during sneezing, coughing or talking)
• airborne (air-suspended microorganisms); these can include particulates that have been re-suspended after settling

Absorption (skin or mucous membrane contact)

• indirect contact (resulting from contact with a contaminated object or surface)
• material-borne (spread by food, water, drugs, etc. that may be infected)
• ingestion