What is the most common route for asbestos fibers to enter the human body?

Inhalation is the most common route for asbestos fibers to enter the human body. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers become airborne. These microscopic fibers can easily be inhaled into the lungs during activities such as construction, demolition, or renovation work in buildings that have asbestos insulation or materials. Once inhaled, these fibers can remain in the lungs for a long time, potentially leading to serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The other routes, such as skin absorption, ingestion, and direct contact, are significantly less common and less effective for asbestos exposure. Skin absorption is not generally a concern with asbestos fibers, as they do not penetrate the skin easily. Ingestion can occur if contaminated hands or food introduce fibers into the digestive system, but this is a rare and indirect exposure route compared to inhalation. Direct contact may lead to fibers being present on the skin, but does not represent a significant health risk in the same way that inhalation does. Hence, inhalation is recognized as the primary and most hazardous pathway for asbestos exposure in workers.