Chronic toxicity refers to harmful effects from which of the following?

• A. contact dermatitis
• B. a single exposure
• C. small, repeated exposure over time
• D. exposure to a pesticide over 50% of the body

Answer: (C)

Chronic toxicity comes from repeated exposure to a chemical over a long period, usually at low doses, so the effects build up and may take time to become evident. This is about duration and repetition, not just how large a single exposure is. That’s why the description “small, repeated exposure over time” fits best.

A single exposure leads to acute toxicity, and exposure affecting a large body area describes extent rather than the time pattern that defines chronic effects. Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction and isn’t the general way chronic toxicity is defined, though repeated irritation can cause ongoing skin issues.