ABSTRACT
Disease is a cellular process in which cells malfunction individually and collectively, undermining the tissues and organs they comprise. Toxic chemicals may act in a multitude of ways to attack cells and undermine their function in the body. Toxic effects are generally classified as either immediate (acute) or long term (chronic) (Chapter 5). Acute toxicity is manifested minutes to days following exposure. Examples are carbon monoxide poisoning, snake bites, and drug overdoses. Chronic toxicity is slow in onset, and months or years may pass before a harmful effect becomes apparent. Examples are cancer, infertility, IQ deficit, and hypertension.
