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Chronic Health Effect

Definition

• A chronic health effect is an adverse health effect resulting from long-term exposure to a substance. The effects could be a skin rash, bronchitis, cancer or any other medical condition.

• The term is also applied to a persistent (months, years or permanent) adverse health effect resulting from a short-term (acute) exposure.

Additional Info

It may take months or years for a chronic health effect to become apparent. For example, inhaling low concentrations of benzene over long periods of time may lead to liver cancer. Likewise, chemical sensitization from exposure to low levels of formaldehyde may have a slow onset. Another example is cigarette smoking. The smoker may take months or years to realize that his lung capacity is diminished, skin tone is decreased, or circulatory function is inhibited. The onset of these kinds of symptoms is so slow that it can be difficult to realize that one is suffering from adverse health consequences. Of course, one has to keep chemical exposure and risk in perspective. A brief one-time (acute) exposure to a high concentration of benzene is incredibly unlikely to cause cancer or other lasting health effects. On the other hand, an acute exposure to a high concentration of formaldehyde carries an appreciable risk of causing long-lasting (chronic) health effect called chemical hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is critical that you not only understand the hazards of workplace chemicals in terms of acute and chronic health effects, but the relative *risks* associated with such exposures. Remember, hazard and risk are two separate concepts. Hazards are inherent in a material regardless of the quantity. Risk is a measure of the likelihood of a hazard to cause harm. For example, gasoline has a significant flammability hazard. However, 3 drops of gasoline poses little risk whereas 10,000 gallons poses substantial risk, particularly if strict safety measures are not followed.

Sittig's Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens is the definitive resource on over 2,100 of the most commonly used, transported and regulated chemical substances. Get your copy at Safety Emporium.

MSDS Relevance

Chronic effects from long-term exposure to chemicals are fairly common. Recognize the PEL (permissible exposure level) for each substance in your workplace and minimize your exposure whenever possible.

Remember, the preferred methods for reducing chemical exposure, in order of general effectiveness, are:

1. Substitution of less hazardous materials or processes.
2. Engineering controls such as fume hoods or other ventilation.
3. Administrative controls.
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE).

Don't have a formal safety program? This handbook/CD combination can help you establish and run a workplace safety program.

Further Reading U.S. EPA Harmonized Test Guidelines, includes the Series 870 Health Effects Test Guidelines -- Final Guidelines with documents related to all kinds of acute and chronic toxicity testing. OSHA's page on toxic and hazardous substances including recognition, evaluation, controls, standards and more. The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry includes information about risk levels, FAQ's about toxic substances and more. Environment Canada's Management of Toxic Substances Web Site. The NIH's Toxicology Tutor is a great resource for learning the basics of toxicology. Play Toxic Trivia here at ILPI. See also: acute toxicity, carcinogen, emphysema, lethargy, myalgia. Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.