Which type of toxicity is associated with harmful effects following a single exposure?

Acute toxicity refers to the harmful effects that occur after a single exposure to a substance, usually within a short period of time (typically 24 hours). This type of toxicity is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms and can lead to immediate health effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, or even more severe outcomes depending on the substance and level of exposure.

Understanding acute toxicity is crucial because it helps in assessing risk when dealing with pesticides and other chemicals. It emphasizes the importance of safety measures when applying these substances, as even a single incident of exposure can lead to harmful health effects.

In contrast, chronic toxicity involves effects that develop over a longer period of time due to repeated exposure, long-term toxicity refers to the cumulative effects from ongoing exposure to low levels of a substance, and delayed toxicity indicates that effects may not manifest until well after the exposure has occurred, making acute toxicity distinct in its immediacy and single-exposure nature.