What differentiates acute toxicity from chronic toxicity?

Acute toxicity and chronic toxicity are distinguished primarily by the duration of exposure to the toxin. Acute toxicity refers to the harmful effects resulting from a single exposure or multiple exposures over a short period, usually within 24 hours. This type of toxicity often leads to immediate health effects, which can be severe or lethal. In contrast, chronic toxicity occurs from prolonged exposure to a toxin, typically over a long period, such as months or years. This can lead to long-term health effects that may develop gradually and may not be immediately apparent.

The focus on duration is what sets these two forms of toxicity apart. Understanding this distinction is critical in toxicology, as it influences the assessment of risks associated with exposure to various substances and informs treatment strategies for affected individuals.