American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

Which type of poisoning is characterized by repeated exposure over months or years?

1. Acute poisoning

2. Chronic poisoning

3. Acute toxicity

4. Chronic toxicity

The correct answer is: Chronic poisoning

Chronic poisoning is characterized by repeated exposure to a toxic substance over an extended period, typically months or even years. This type of poisoning occurs when a person is continuously exposed to a lower dose of a toxic agent, which may not produce immediate effects but can lead to serious health issues over time. The significance of chronic poisoning lies in its subtle onset of symptoms that can easily be overlooked until significant damage has occurred. For instance, exposure to certain chemicals or heavy metals may cause gradual deterioration of health, affecting organs such as the liver, kidneys, or nervous system. In contrast, acute poisoning occurs after a single exposure to a high dose of a toxic substance, leading to immediate and severe health effects. Acute toxicity refers to the harmful effects resulting from this single high exposure. Chronic toxicity similarly emphasizes the long-term effects of lower doses, but the emphasis here is specifically on the adverse effects that build up over time rather than just the exposure duration. Thus, the term chronic poisoning directly captures the essence of prolonged exposure and its cumulative health impacts.