Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What term describes a delayed poisonous effect from exposure to a substance?

1. Acute Toxicity

2. Chronic Toxicity

3. Short-term Exposure

4. Immediate Toxicity

The correct answer is: Chronic Toxicity

Chronic toxicity refers to the delayed poisonous effects that can occur from prolonged or repeated exposure to a substance. This type of toxicity often manifests over an extended period, sometimes becoming evident only after months or years of exposure. Chronic toxicity is characterized by its subtle onset, where symptoms may be less apparent or might develop slowly, making it distinct from acute toxicity, which occurs rapidly and usually following a single or short-term exposure to a high dose of a toxic substance. The other terms do not accurately describe delayed poisonous effects. Acute toxicity deals with immediate reactions to a toxic substance, short-term exposure refers to limited duration contact that usually does not result in chronic effects, and immediate toxicity is related to the prompt effects seen after exposure, reinforcing the distinction between quick versus long-term responses to toxins. Thus, chronic toxicity is the term that best captures the essence of delayed poisonous effects from long-term exposure.