Definitions for "EXPOSURE PATHWAYS"
The ways in which a plant, animal or person is exposed to radioactivity or pollution. Key exposure pathways are air and water. Most exposures happen through breathing air, drinking water and/or eating foods that are contaminated, and by direct radiation.
The pathway a contaminant may take to reach humans or other living organisms, and includes drinking water, recreational water and fish/food consumption.
The course a contaminant takes from the source to the exposed person, generally consisting of four elements: 1) source of chemical release; 2) receiving and/or transporting medium (e.g., air, soil, water); 3) point of potential contact; and 4) exposure route (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact).