Exposure

Contact between a person and a chemical, biological, or physical agent or hazard through a particular route and for a particular period of time.

Exposure can occur through eating, drinking, breathing, skin contact, injection or other pathways. In food packaging, dietary exposure may occur when substances migrate from packaging into food and are subsequently consumed.

The amount, frequency, and duration of exposure are important when evaluating potential health effects.

COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH

  • Dose: the amount of a substance received by or reaching the body.
  • Risk: the possibility of harm resulting from exposure to a hazard.

SEE ALSO

Clinical & Educational Context

Discussed in Health Articles & Guides

Explore how "Exposure" is covered across our evidence-based editorial guides:

5 Articles
Unstraight Lines

Kill Me a Little, Kill It More

Yet these substances can also harm people, animals, or other organisms when exposure occurs under unsafe conditions.
Health in the Wild

Food Packaging: Unexpected Food Safety Risks you need to know

It helps prevent contamination, physical damage, moisture loss, oxidation, pest exposure, and premature spoilage.
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Do You Need Supplements? What Medical Research Says

Skin health is influenced by many factors, including age, sun exposure, genetics, hormonal changes, underlying skin conditions, and general health.
The Hard Parts of Medicine

Polypharmacy: What Really Happens When You Take Multiple Medicines

Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medicines by one person is becoming increasingly common as people live longer and more people...
Health in the Wild

Noise Pollution 101: Everything You Need to Know

Noise pollution can interfere with sleep, concentration, communication, hearing, and psychological well-being, and prolonged exposure has been associated with cardiovascular and other health effects.