Which method of pesticide exposure acts the slowest on the body?

Ingestion is considered to act the slowest on the body compared to the other exposure methods listed. When pesticides are ingested, they must first pass through the digestive system, where the process includes breaking down the substance in the stomach and then absorption through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream. This process takes time and can vary based on factors such as the type of pesticide, the presence of food, and individual metabolic rates.

In contrast, inhalation allows pesticides to enter the bloodstream almost immediately through the lungs, while dermal absorption and skin contact can also lead to quicker entry into the bloodstream. This difference in absorption rates highlights why ingestion is typically a slower method of exposure—because it requires several steps before the pesticide can even begin to take effect on the body’s systems.