What type of toxicity is described when a worker ingests a small amount of a toxic chemical and experiences severe symptoms immediately?

Acute toxicity refers to the extreme adverse effects that occur shortly after a person is exposed to a toxic substance, often through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. When a worker ingests a small amount of a toxic chemical and experiences severe symptoms immediately, it exemplifies acute toxicity because the reaction is swift and intense. This type of toxicity is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, which can range from mild irritation to life-threatening conditions, depending on the nature of the toxic chemical and the dosages involved.

In contrast, chronic toxicity develops over a long period and typically results from repeated exposure to a substance, often leading to long-term health effects. Subacute toxicity is characterized by effects that occur after repeated exposure to a chemical over days or weeks, while delayed toxicity involves symptoms that do not manifest until much later after exposure. Therefore, acute toxicity is the most appropriate term for immediate and severe reactions following exposure to a toxic substance.