What Does Acute Effect Mean?
An acute effect is a physiological reaction in a human or animal body resulting in serious symptoms that develop rapidly during short-term (acute) exposure to toxic chemicals or substances. Symptoms are dangerous and severe but often subside after the exposure stops. In some instances, acute exposure can cause sickness, severe injury or even death within hours or days, although these instances are rare.
Excessive or prolonged exposure to the irritating and/or dangerous agent is known as acute exposure. If the cause for the acute effect is not removed, it can become a chronic health effect. It can have long-term, life-changing and potentially fatal health implications, ranging from developing cancer to eczema, bronchitis or a range of other medical conditions.