Health Effects from Chemical Exposure
There are two types of health effects from chemical exposure.
- acute
- chronic
Effects On Health From Chemical Exposure
Note: Some chemicals have both acute and chronic effects, such as carbon monoxide.
Acute Effects
These types of effects occur immediately or within a short time (minutes or hours) following exposure. Death is possible from some hazardous substances. Exposure to the chemical is typically sudden, short-term, and with a high concentration. For example, if a worker is exposed to carbon monoxide, they may quickly experience a headache, collapse, or even death.
Chronic Effects
Chronic effects usually develop after continual or repeated exposure to a dangerous chemical. This long-term exposure can sometimes occur over several years. For example, a worker could develop lung cancer from long-term exposure to asbestos.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. Which type of health effect occurs immediately or within a short period of time?
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