Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Acute toxicity refers to the ability of a substance to cause harmful effects on living organisms after a single or short-term exposure. It measures the immediate adverse effects that can occur within a short period of time.
Related terms
Chronic toxicity: Chronic toxicity refers to the long-term harmful effects caused by repeated or continuous exposure to a substance over an extended period of time.
LD50 (Median Lethal Dose): LD50 is a measure used in toxicology to determine the lethal dose at which 50% of test subjects die from exposure to a particular substance.
Hazardous substances: Hazardous substances are materials that have properties capable of causing harm or damage to humans, animals, or the environment. They may include chemicals, biological agents, and physical hazards.