Exposure to asbestos can occur how?

• A. By ingestion of contaminated water
• B. Via inhalation when building materials degrade over time or are disturbed during renovation/construction
• C. By skin contact with asbestos fibers
• D. By exposure to sunlight

Answer: (B)

Exposure to asbestos occurs primarily through inhalation of airborne fibers. When asbestos-containing materials degrade over time or are disturbed during renovation or construction, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled. Inhaled fibers can become lodged in lung tissue and over time contribute to diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Ingestion of asbestos-contaminated water or food and skin contact with fibers are not the main exposure routes, and sunlight has no relevance to asbestos risk. Therefore, the most relevant exposure pathway in building contexts is breathing in fibers released by degradation or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.