What is considered the significant route of exposure to asbestos?

Inhalation is considered the significant route of exposure to asbestos because asbestos fibers are primarily airborne and can easily be inhaled into the lungs. Once inhaled, these fibers can cause serious health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The tiny, fibrous particles can become suspended in the air and remain there for long periods, increasing the likelihood of being inhaled by individuals in proximity to asbestos-containing materials or environments where asbestos has been disturbed.

Ingestion, absorption through the skin, and injection are not recognized as significant exposure routes for asbestos. While ingestion may occur in some rare situations, it is much less common than inhalation and does not pose the same level of risk for developing serious health conditions. Similarly, absorption through the skin is minimal because asbestos fibers do not penetrate the skin effectively, and injection is not a typical route of exposure associated with asbestos. Therefore, inhalation remains the primary concern for those exposed to asbestos in occupational and environmental settings.