Absorption of Se from the nasal passages, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin was studied in Fischer-344 rats. Radiolabeled selenious acid and elemental Se particles were administered by inhalation, gavage, nasal instillation, and iv injection. Selenious acid was always absorbed into the general circulation more rapidly and to a greater extent than elemental Se. By 4 h after inhalation of selenious acid and elemental Se aerosols, 94% of the selenious acid and 57% of the elemental Se deposited in lungs was absorbed into blood. Of the selenious acid instilled into nasal passages, 18% was absorbed into blood; 16% of the elemental Se was absorbed. Gastrointestinal absorption was 87% for selenious acid and 50% for elemental Se. Selenious acid solutions were also painted onto the pelts of rats. From 10 to 30% of the selenious acid was absorbed through the skin. Following inhalation or injection of either Se compound, most of the Se was excreted in the urine. Significantly more Se appeared in feces of animals receiving elemental Se by gavage than animals receiving selenious acid. Results indicate that if people were to absorb inhaled Se from the upper respiratory tract in a manner similar to that of rats, one-third more selenious acid would be absorbed into the general circulation than elemental Se. All Se deposited in the lungs would be absorbed into blood. However, selenious acid would be absorbed more rapidly than elemental Se.