Which of the following is a route of entry for lead poisoning?

• A. Ingestion
• B. Dermal absorption
• C. Inhalation
• D. Injection

Answer: (C)

Lead can enter the body through several pathways, and inhalation of airborne lead particles is a well-established route of exposure. When lead-containing dust or fumes are breathed in, the particles reach the lungs where they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed to organs. This route is especially relevant in settings with lead-containing aerosols, such as certain industrial processes or homes with lead-based paint dust.

Dermal absorption of lead is minimal under typical conditions because the skin acts as a fairly effective barrier, so it isn’t a significant route of entry. Injection isn’t a common or practical exposure route for lead in real-world scenarios. While ingestion is also a route—through hand-to-mouth transfer of contaminated dust or ingestion of chipped paint—the question highlights inhalation as a key route of entry, making it the correct choice.