Direct contamination refers to

• A. Direct physical contact with contaminant
• B. Contact with person or object previously contaminated
• C. Adverse effects to fetus during pregnancy
• D. Absorption of contaminant through skin

Answer: (A)

Direct contamination means contamination results from direct physical contact with the contaminant source. When your skin or clothing touches the contaminant itself, it transfers immediately, without an intermediate carrier. This distinguishes it from indirect contamination, which happens when you contact something or someone that has already been contaminated. Absorption through the skin can be a consequence of direct contact, but the defining idea is the direct transfer from source to person, not a secondary transfer or a separate exposure route. The option describing adverse effects to a fetus is not related to how contamination transfers.