Question

12. There is a polar (hydrophilic) solvent contaminant in tap water. This chemical causes damage to the kidney. It is biotransformed to a less toxic molecule by enzymes in the liver.« How might an individual be exposed to this chemical? (3 points) Which route(s) of exposure would concern you most and why? (2 points)

Answer 1

Since it is a polar compound so the most important mode of exposure would be oral (ingestion), through direct drinking contaminated water or through other sources of food, fruits and vegetables (that are contaminated). They can enter to the body through mouth and metabolises in the body through liver. Liver is considered as detoxification organ and it biotransform toxic substance into less toxic or non-toxic metabolites through phase I and phase II detoxification pathways.

As we discussed above the route of exposure would be oral through ingestion an individual can get it as it is a hydrophilic (water loving; polar contaminant) which further rule out dermal exposure (which is more prominent in hydrophilic compounds), yes inhalation can occur if the contaminant is present in vapor form (though very less exposure by this method).