Which factor varies the degree of toxicity?

Which factor varies the degree of toxicity?

• A. Temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions
• B. The amount of material inhaled per unit time
• C. Route of exposure
• D. Health, body weight, age, type of material and route of exposure

Answer: (D)

Toxic effects depend on how the body handles a chemical, which varies from person to person and from substance to substance. Health status, body weight, and age influence how a toxic dose is absorbed and processed, while the type of material and the route of exposure determine how readily it enters the body and how it is distributed, metabolized, and eliminated. Because these factors together shape the actual level of toxicity someone experiences, this option best captures why toxicity can differ between exposures.

Toxic effects depend on how the body handles a chemical, which varies from person to person and from substance to substance. Health status, body weight, and age influence how a toxic dose is absorbed and processed, while the type of material and the route of exposure determine how readily it enters the body and how it is distributed, metabolized, and eliminated. Because these factors together shape the actual level of toxicity someone experiences, this option best captures why toxicity can differ between exposures.