Which term describes toxic substances that cause immediate illness or death when present in very small amounts?

Which term describes toxic substances that cause immediate illness or death when present in very small amounts?

• A. Toxic
• B. Hazard
• C. Toxicity
• D. Poison

Answer: (D)

When a substance can cause illness or death from only a tiny amount, it is described as a poison. This term names the substance itself and emphasizes its high potency and potential for rapid, acute harm with minimal exposure. The other words describe aspects of harm rather than the substance itself: toxic is an adjective describing harmful properties, toxicity is the degree or measure of that harm, and hazard refers to the potential for harm given specific exposure conditions. So the best fit for a substance that is dangerous at small doses is poison.

When a substance can cause illness or death from only a tiny amount, it is described as a poison. This term names the substance itself and emphasizes its high potency and potential for rapid, acute harm with minimal exposure. The other words describe aspects of harm rather than the substance itself: toxic is an adjective describing harmful properties, toxicity is the degree or measure of that harm, and hazard refers to the potential for harm given specific exposure conditions. So the best fit for a substance that is dangerous at small doses is poison.