What is chronic toxicity?

Chronic toxicity is a property showing toxins that can be dangerous for a longer period of exposure. This is, unlike acute toxicity, characterized by a high level of toxicity after a single exposure. Understanding chronic toxicity is important because substances that seem safe can actually cause the development of toxicity over time in organisms that are exposed to them.

There are two ways to cause chronic toxicity. Some toxins work by damaging the body with a number of small exhibitions. A classic example is tobacco. One cigarette will probably not have a toxic effect on someone, but smoking numerous cigarettes throughout life will result in the development of toxicity. Other toxins work in such a way that they persist in the body. For example, the radium will persist in the bones for a longer period of time, causing persistent health problems and chronic toxicity.

organisms can be exposed to compounds that result in in many ways. MNos are used by air, water and food products. Others may be absorbed, as in the case of compounds that emit harmful radiation that penetrates into the body or compounds that can be absorbed by the skin. For example, someone working in a chemical plant could develop chronic toxicity as a result of not carrying the appropriate safety equipment and slowly absorbing low doses of toxins over time.

Some harmful substances that cause chronic toxicity can also cause acute toxicity if the exposure is high enough. Alcohol is an excellent example. Many health problems associated with alcohol consumption are the result of chronic toxicity, and the patient has developed problems over time due to regular drinking. However, people can also develop alcohol poisoning from drinking too much alcohol, potentially die or become very ill as a statementEdek's only exposure.

When examining compounds to determine whether or not they are safe, a study of chronic toxicity may be performed. Initial research can show that the substance does not cause acute toxicity, or that the dose needed for acute toxicity is so high that it is not a reason for concern. A study of chronic toxicity can reveal problems with long -term exposure, which may not be immediately visible in the results of shorter studies. A study of toxicity as a result of a long -term exposure is also an ongoing topic, and scientists are looking for trends in the general population and find out if they can be traced back to specific exposures.