Exposure can be categorized based on several factors:
Acute exposure: This is a short-term exposure occurring over a brief period, typically less than 24 hours. It can lead to immediate health effects, often referred to as acute toxicity. Chronic exposure: This involves continuous or repeated contact with a substance over an extended period, often months or years, potentially leading to chronic toxicity. Subacute and subchronic exposure: These refer to exposure periods that are intermediate between acute and chronic, often spanning weeks to months.