Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

What term describes sickness from repeated pesticide exposure over several months or years?

1. Acute toxicity

2. Chronic toxicity

3. A pesticide hazard

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Chronic toxicity

Chronic toxicity is the correct term for sickness that results from repeated pesticide exposure over an extended period, typically months or years. This form of toxicity occurs as a result of long-term exposure to relatively low doses of a substance, which can accumulate in the body over time, leading to various health issues. In contrast, acute toxicity refers to the harmful effects that appear shortly after exposure to a pesticide, often from a single, high dose. A pesticide hazard generally refers to the potential for a pesticide to cause harm rather than describing the specific type of illness resulting from long-term exposure. Thus, chronic toxicity specifically addresses the concept of prolonged exposure leading to health problems, making it the most appropriate choice for this question.