Define chronic toxicity.

Chronic toxicity refers to the potential harmful effects that may result from long-term exposure to a substance, often at low levels. This type of toxicity is important to understand because many harmful effects do not manifest immediately or after short exposures but may develop over time with repeated contact. Long-term exposure can lead to cumulative effects on health, and these effects may not be reversible. Recognizing chronic toxicity is crucial in areas such as occupational health and safety, where individuals may be exposed to the same substances consistently over extended periods. Understanding chronic toxicity helps in establishing safety guidelines and regulatory standards for the use of pesticides and other chemicals to protect human health and the environment.