Chemical Safety

The gastrointestinal tract is another possible route of exposure.  Although direct ingestion of a laboratory chemical is unlikely, exposure may occur as a result of ingesting contaminated food or beverages, touching the mouth with contaminated fingers, or swallowing inhaled particles which have been cleared from the respiratory system.  Direct ingestion may occur as a result of the outdated and dangerous practice of mouth pipetting. The possibility of exposure through ingestion may be reduced by not eating, drinking, smoking, or storing food in the laboratory, and by washing hands thoroughly after working with chemicals, even when gloves were worn.