What is acute toxicity?

• A. A result of an accidental or intentional single or repeated short-term exposure to a substantial dose of toxicant.
• B. A result of prolonged exposure to low doses.
• C. The cumulative damage that occurs over months.
• D. The ability to act quickly after contact with water.

Answer: (A)

Acute toxicity is the harmful effect that happens quickly after a high-level exposure to a toxicant, such as a single accidental ingestion or a brief but substantial exposure. The emphasis is on the short time frame and the large dose that produces immediate health effects. This differs from chronic toxicity, which arises from long-term exposure to low doses that accumulate over time. The other descriptions point to chronic exposure or unrelated properties rather than the rapid response after a high-dose exposure.