How can tritium enter the human body?

Tritium can enter the human body through various pathways, with inhalation and absorption being key methods. When tritium is present in the form of gaseous HTO (tritiated water) or as a vapor, it can be inhaled into the lungs, where it can then transfer into the bloodstream. Additionally, tritium can be absorbed through the skin if there is contact with tritiated water or other sources containing tritium.

The ability of tritium to enter the body through these routes highlights the need for proper safety measures in environments where tritium is present, especially in research or industrial settings. Understanding these pathways allows for better risk assessments and protective measures to minimize exposure to this radioactive isotope.

Other options, while they may seem plausible, do not comprehensively cover the most common ways tritium can enter the human body. For instance, while ingestion does allow for entry, inhalation and absorption are more direct and significant pathways in many real-world scenarios.