Which type of toxicity refers to the harmful effects from prolonged exposure to small amounts of a substance?

Chronic toxicity refers to the harmful effects that result from prolonged exposure to small amounts of a substance over time. This type of toxicity is characterized by the gradual development of adverse effects that may not be immediately apparent but can lead to significant health problems after extended periods of exposure. It is particularly relevant in situations where low levels of a toxic agent are present in the environment or within a product and can accumulate in the body or cause long-term damage to organs or systems.

Acute toxicity, in contrast, deals with the harmful effects from a single, short-term exposure to a high concentration of a substance, often leading to immediate reactions. Subacute toxicity usually pertains to exposure over a slightly longer duration than acute toxicity but still in a shorter timeframe, such as weeks, and does not typically characterize prolonged exposure like chronic toxicity does. Cumulative toxicity implies the build-up of harmful substances in the body over time, but it does not specifically address exposure duration or the development of effects like chronic toxicity does. Thus, chronic toxicity is the most accurate term for describing harmful effects due to long-term, low-level exposure.