Internal exposure routes occur through which pathways?

• A. Inhaling
• B. Inhaling, ingesting, absorption, and open wounds/injuries
• C. External exposure
• D. Ingestion only

Answer: (B)

Internal exposure happens when radioactive material gets inside the body and irradiates tissues from within. The pathways through which this can occur are inhaling contaminated air or dust, ingesting contaminated food or liquids, absorbing contaminants through the skin or mucous membranes, and entry through open wounds or injuries. These routes are internal because the material is now inside the body, unlike external exposure where the source sits outside and radiation hits the body from the outside. Inhalation and ingestion are common since particles can be breathed in or swallowed, absorption applies to soluble materials that can pass through skin, and open wounds provide a direct entry. That combination—inhaling, ingesting, absorption, and open wounds—covers the main ways internal exposure can occur.