One of the following is a slower route of pesticide absorption. Which is it?

Ingestion is considered a slower route of pesticide absorption compared to the other methods listed. When pesticides are ingested, they must first pass through the digestive system, undergoing various processes such as breakdown and absorption through the intestinal lining before they enter the bloodstream. This process can take time, as the body needs to digest the material, which slows down the overall absorption rate.

On the other hand, dermal exposure can lead to quicker absorption through the skin, especially since the skin can allow certain chemicals to enter the bloodstream more rapidly depending on factors like the condition of the skin and the nature of the pesticide. Inhalation leads to almost immediate absorption into the bloodstream as chemicals enter the lungs and are rapidly transferred into circulation. Eye exposure can also result in quick absorption as the conjunctival membrane is highly vascularized, allowing for faster entry into the bloodstream.

Overall, the physiological processes involved in handling ingested substances make it a slower route of absorption compared to the more immediate effects seen with dermal, inhalation, and eye exposure routes.