Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

True or False: A person exposed frequently to small amounts of a toxic material will show the same symptoms as someone exposed suddenly to a large amount.

1. True

2. False

3. Only under certain conditions

4. It varies by individual

The correct answer is: True

The statement is false. A person who is exposed frequently to small amounts of a toxic material typically does not show the same symptoms as someone exposed suddenly to a large amount. Chronic exposure—where a person is exposed to small doses over time—can lead to the development of tolerance to certain toxic substances, potentially resulting in different physiological effects than those experienced during acute exposure to a large dose. Acute exposure often results in immediate and severe health issues due to the body being overwhelmed by a high toxicity level, whereas symptoms from chronic exposure may develop gradually and can be subtler in nature, potentially leading to long-term health effects. Understanding the distinctions between acute and chronic exposure is crucial in fields like toxicology and pesticide application, as it helps in assessing risks and managing safety measures effectively.