Which route is the most common for poison to enter the body?

Ingestion is the most common route for poisons to enter the body, primarily because many toxic substances are ingested through contaminated food, beverages, or medications. When a person accidentally or intentionally consumes a toxic substance, it quickly enters the digestive system, allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This route is prevalent in cases involving household chemicals, drugs, and certain plants, making it a significant concern in toxicology.

While inhalation and topical exposure can also lead to poisoning, they are less frequent in comparison to ingestion. Inhalation is often associated with gases or volatile substances, which can cause rapid onset of symptoms but are generally encountered less frequently in everyday settings. Topical exposure typically involves substances that cause skin reactions or systemic effects through dermal absorption, which are also less common than ingestion-related incidents. Exposure, as a broad term, encompasses various routes but does not specify how poisons enter the body, making ingestion the clearest and most documented method.