Question

Acute exposure to an environmental toxin ________.
a. involves low levels of exposure over long periods of time
b. makes it difficult to associate the symptoms with a cause
c. are high exposures over short times and associated with a specific cause
d. is usually untreatable and fatal
e. is the case with chronic alcohol and nicotine abuse

Answer 1

The correct answer is "are high exposures over short times and associated with a specific cause"

Acute exposure is defined as exposures to high amounts of toxic substance over a period of time associated with a specific cause. For instance, acute exposure to malathion (insecticide) will produce acute effects of acute paralysis or weakness, respiratory depression, or even death. While usually fatal, it is usually treatable.