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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.

  An example would be liver cancer from inhaling low levels of benzene at your workplace over several years.

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

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.

Further Reading

• U.S. EPA Series 870 Health Effects Test Guidelines -- Final Guidelines has a bunch of documents related to all kinds of acute and chronic toxicity testing.

See also: acute toxicity, carcinogen, emphysema, myalgia.

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.