What does "chronic exposure" mean?

Chronic exposure refers to long-term contact with hazardous substances, typically occurring over an extended period of time, often at lower levels of concentration. This type of exposure can accumulate in the body and lead to significant health effects that may develop slowly over time. Examples of conditions caused by chronic exposure include respiratory diseases, skin disorders, and various types of cancers, which can arise after prolonged contact with toxic substances.

In contrast, the other options describe different scenarios: a temporary allergic reaction pertains to immediate responses to allergens, a single exposure does not reflect the cumulative effects of ongoing contact, and a short-term event with lasting impact does not align with the definition of chronic exposure, which emphasizes prolonged contact rather than a singular event.