What is considered a pathway in environmental risk assessments?

In the context of environmental risk assessments, a pathway is defined as the route through which contaminants can move from a source to a receptor, potentially causing harm. Dermal contact is recognized as one of the primary exposure pathways. It refers to the way pollutants can enter the human body through skin contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. This pathway is crucial for understanding how hazardous substances can impact human health, particularly in scenarios where direct contact with contaminated soil, water, or other media occurs.

While soil drainage, solid waste, and surface runoff relate to the movement of contaminants and environmental processes, they do not directly describe an exposure pathway in the same manner as dermal contact. Soil drainage might describe how water moves through soil layers and can influence contaminant transport, and surface runoff pertains to how water flows over land, potentially transporting pollutants into nearby water bodies. However, these elements do not specifically refer to the means by which humans or ecosystems can be exposed to harmful substances.