Which of the following best defines acute toxicity?

Which of the following best defines acute toxicity?

• A. Effects that appear after prolonged exposure
• B. Immediate effects that appear within minutes or days
• C. Long-term health effects from pesticide exposure
• D. Gradual effects that develop over time

Answer: (B)

Acute toxicity is characterized by the immediate effects that occur shortly after exposure to a toxic substance, typically within minutes to days. This contrasts with chronic toxicity, which involves health effects that develop over an extended period due to prolonged exposure or accumulation of a substance in the body. Understanding acute toxicity is essential in pesticide management, as it helps identify potential immediate health risks to applicators and the environment, guiding safety measures and response actions.

Acute toxicity is characterized by the immediate effects that occur shortly after exposure to a toxic substance, typically within minutes to days. This contrasts with chronic toxicity, which involves health effects that develop over an extended period due to prolonged exposure or accumulation of a substance in the body. Understanding acute toxicity is essential in pesticide management, as it helps identify potential immediate health risks to applicators and the environment, guiding safety measures and response actions.