Final answer:
Acute toxicity refers to the immediate harmful effects of a substance when it is ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. It can be fatal or toxic, depending on the level of exposure and the specific substance. Examples of acute toxicity include temporary sterility, significant reduction in blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, severe blood damage, hemorrhage, and fatalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute toxicity refers to the immediate harmful effects of a substance when it is ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. It can be fatal or toxic, depending on the level of exposure and the specific substance. Examples of acute toxicity include temporary sterility, significant reduction in blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, severe blood damage, hemorrhage, and fatalities.
LD50 (lethal dose, 50%) is a measure of toxicity that indicates the dose of a substance that would be lethal to 50% of a population within a specified period of time. For example, an LD50/32 means that the substance would be lethal to 50% of the population within 32 days after exposure if left untreated. The worst effects of acute toxicity often involve malfunction of the small intestine and blood systems, and survival is limited in severe cases.
Immediate effects of acute radiation exposure are also mentioned in relation to acute toxicity. Radiation affects rapidly reproducing cells in the body, such as blood cells and cells in the lining of the digestive system. This can lead to changes in blood count, nausea, hair loss, and damage to various body systems. The lowest doses that cause fatalities weaken the immune system through the loss of white blood cells.