Mercury exposure routes include which of the following?

• A. Inhalation and Ingestion
• B. Inhalation only
• C. Ingestion only
• D. Dermal contact

Answer: (A)

Mercury can enter the body through more than one route, and the route depends on the form and the exposure context. Elemental mercury vapor is readily inhaled and is rapidly absorbed through the lungs, making inhalation a major route in many settings. Ingested mercury compounds are absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, with methylmercury being well absorbed and accumulating in tissues, which makes ingestion a significant route in environmental exposures such as contaminated food. Dermal absorption can occur with some forms, but it is typically less important than inhalation or ingestion for most exposure scenarios. So, exposure can occur by inhalation and ingestion, which is why those two routes are listed together.