What term describes the harmful effects that occur from small, repeated exposures to pesticides over a period of time?

• A. Acute toxicity
• B. Chronic toxicity
• C. Allergic effect
• D. Medical antidote

Answer: (B)

Harm from small, repeated exposures over time is described as chronic toxicity. This means effects develop with long-term exposure even if each individual exposure seems minor. Low-dose exposure repeated over months or years can accumulate or continually stress organs such as the liver, kidneys, or nervous system, potentially leading to problems like organ damage, reproductive issues, or cancer risk.

Acute toxicity refers to immediate harm from a single or short-term high-level exposure with rapid symptoms. Allergic effects are immune reactions that can occur at exposure but aren’t defined by duration. A medical antidote is a treatment for poisoning, not a type of toxic effect.