The acute effect is a harmful effect on the human or animal body that results in severe symptoms that develop rapidly with short-term exposure to chemicals or toxic substances. (See chronic effect) Extinguishing agents – means they can extinguish fires. Common extinguishing agents are water, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals and “alcoholic” foam. It is important to know which fire extinguishers can be used in the event of a fire caused by hazardous products in the workplace (suitable extinguishing agents) so that they can be made available on site. It is also important to know what means cannot be used (inappropriate extinguishing agents), as a bad extinguisher may not work or create a more dangerous situation. If several products are involved in a fire, an effective fire extinguisher for all products must be used. Acute toxicity estimation (ATE) – numerical value used to assess acute toxicity. For a substance, the ETA is LC50 or LD50, if available, or a converted point estimate of acute toxicity based on an experimentally determined range or classification category. In the case of a mixture, the ATE for oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity is calculated based on the ETA values for all relevant ingredients and the percentage concentration in the product. Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs®) – benchmarks developed by the ACGIH to assess biological monitoring results. Biological monitoring involves measuring the concentration of a chemical indicator (such as the substance itself or a chemical formed by the body from the substance) in body components (e.g., blood, urine) of people who have been exposed to the substance. Biological monitoring is used to indicate the amount of the substance that has been absorbed into the body.

The BSI generally determines a concentration below which almost all workers are not expected to experience adverse health effects. Acute – sudden or short. The term “acute” can describe either the duration (duration) of exposure or a health effect. Acute exposure is short-term exposure (duration of minutes, hours or days – less than 14 days). An acute health effect is one that develops immediately or within minutes, hours or even days after exposure. (See also “Chronicle.”) Acute toxicity – Hazardous products in this hazard class cause fatal, toxic or harmful effects if swallowed, come into contact with the skin and/or inhaled. Acute toxicity refers to the following side effects: An acute effect is an adverse reaction in humans or animals when exposed to a harmful or toxic substance. The reaction can trigger a severe onset of symptoms, which often worsens quickly. Chronic – long-term or prolonged.

The term “chronic” can describe either the duration (duration) of exposure or a health effect. Chronic exposure is long-term exposure (lasting months or years). A chronic health effect is an adverse health effect resulting from long-term exposure or a persistent adverse health effect resulting from short-term exposure. Aspiration toxicity includes serious acute effects such as chemical pneumonia and varying degrees of lung damage or death. Accidental release measures – measures to be taken in the event of a spill, leak or release of a hazardous product to prevent or minimize adverse effects on people and property. From: acute effect in Dictionary of Environment and Conservation » Note: This document explains common terms used in WHMIS 2015. Not all terms are listed here. These definitions are not intended to be a legal interpretation of terms defined by law.

The definitions in this glossary are not always identical to the regulatory definitions in the HPA or HPR. Legal definitions can be found in the Hazardous Products Act (HPA), the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) and/or your provincial or territorial legislation. An acute effect occurs immediately after exposure and is manifested by visible symptoms such as rash, itching, coughing, wheezing or sneezing. Acute effects are short-term and usually disappear once exposure ceases. Depending on the type of exposure, the person may experience general discomfort, serious injury, or sometimes death after exposure. Acute exposure is sometimes referred to as the short-term effect. Acute inhalation toxicity may result from exposure to the hazardous product itself or to a product which, in contact with water, releases a gaseous substance that may cause acute toxicity. (See also LC50 and LD50.) Excessive or prolonged exposure to the irritant and/or hazardous agent is called acute exposure.

If the cause of the acute effect is not eliminated, there may be a chronic effect on health. It can have long-term, life-changing and life-threatening health effects, ranging from developing cancer to eczema, bronchitis or a number of other conditions. Short-term (acute) exposure to high levels of certain hazardous chemicals or substances is unlikely to have lasting health effects. However, exposure to other chemicals or substances, even for a short period of time, can lead to a serious chronic health effect called chemical sensitivity. For this reason, workers should be aware of the chemicals they work with in terms of acute and chronic health effects, the relative risk associated with exposures, and the appropriate procedures for their protection. The sudden and rapid onset of severe symptoms or adverse effects in an organism as a result of exposure to a factor (for example, high concentrations of certain pollutants), which often disappear after exposure ends. Chronic contrast effect. An acute effect is a physiological reaction in the human or animal body that results in severe symptoms that develop rapidly with short-term (acute) exposure to chemicals or toxic substances.

Symptoms are dangerous and severe, but often disappear after exposure ends. In some cases, acute exposure can lead to illness, serious injury, or even death within hours or days, although these cases are rare.