What does chronic toxicity indicate regarding pesticide exposure?

Chronic toxicity refers to the harmful effects that result from repeated or long-term exposure to a substance, in this case, a pesticide. When discussing pesticide exposure, chronic toxicity indicates that even small amounts of a pesticide, accumulated over time, can lead to significant health issues or adverse effects.

This type of toxicity is concerned with how continuous exposure over an extended period, rather than a one-time or immediate exposure, can affect an individual's health. For example, workers in agricultural settings or those living near treated areas may be exposed to low levels of pesticides repeatedly, potentially leading to chronic health problems that can develop gradually. Understanding chronic toxicity is crucial for effective risk assessment, especially in environments where regular pesticide applications occur.