What is the best way to prevent oral exposure when dealing with chemicals?

Preventing oral exposure when handling chemicals is crucial for safety. Washing your hands before eating or using tobacco products is particularly effective in this regard. This practice helps remove any chemical contaminants that may have transferred to your hands during handling. If these contaminants remain on your hands, they can easily enter your mouth when you eat or smoke, leading to potential poisoning or adverse health effects.

Maintaining good hygiene by washing your hands ensures that any residues from chemicals are eliminated before you consume food or use tobacco, which significantly reduces the risk of oral exposure. This protective measure is a fundamental component of safe handling practices in any situation where chemicals are involved.

Other methods, like using gloves or wearing a mask, serve to protect against different types of exposures—primarily dermal (skin) and inhalation—rather than directly targeting oral exposure. Drinking plenty of water, while important for hydration, does not inherently protect you from the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals through contaminated hands.