Final answer:
True, exposure to toxic gases can result in both acute and systemic toxicity, affecting various organ systems and leading to a wide range of health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, exposure to toxic gases can indeed produce acute and systemic toxicity. Acute toxicity might manifest immediately after exposure and can range from mild respiratory irritations to severe health consequences, including death, depending on the concentration and the length of exposure to the toxicant. Systemic toxicity refers to adverse effects that take place at locations in the body distant from the site of initial contact and are often the result of prolonged or repeated exposures, leading to chronic health issues.
For example, formaldehyde, a toxic gas emitted from building materials, can cause respiratory issues among other health problems. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from drying paints and solvents are other examples of emissions that can lead to both acute effects, such as headaches and dizziness, and long-term effects, including liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage.
The health effects of toxic chemicals can be magnified through the food chain, while industrial and agricultural workers, alongside emergency responders, are often at high risk for toxicity due to the nature of their work. Furthermore, substances such as tobacco smoke contain multiple toxic chemicals capable of causing various health issues affecting not only respiratory but also cardiovascular and other body systems.