Final answer:
Chronic exposure refers to the long-term exposure to hazardous substances. These exposures can result in delayed but serious health consequences, often diagnosed through various tests. Workers in certain industries are at an increased risk of such exposure due to their work environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exposure to a hazardous material over several months, years, or decades, is known as chronic exposure. Chronic exposure often results from contact with low levels of contaminants, such as pesticide residues, in various media including food, air, water, and soil. The effects of chronic exposure are typically not immediate and may not become apparent for years. Over time, they can lead to serious health issues like the development of heart or lung diseases, and increased risk of certain types of cancer. Professions at higher risk include agricultural workers, pesticide formulators, manufacturers, and emergency responders.
For example, the chronic effect of contaminants like arsenic in drinking water can lead to changes in enzyme functioning, diagnosed through tests on urine, blood, or hair. Understanding the dose-response relationship of toxic substances is critical, as illustrated by dose-response curves that delineate the relationship between the dose of a chemical and the response of an individual.