Which term describes a disease that results from workplace exposure to chemicals?

• A. An occupational disease
• B. A contagious illness
• C. A viral infection
• D. An acute injury

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that some illnesses arise specifically because of conditions in the work environment. When exposure to chemicals at work leads to illness, that condition is called an occupational disease. It develops from the workplace hazard and is not something you catch from another person. It’s not a contagious illness, and it isn’t caused by a virus. An acute injury is a sudden harm from an incident, which is a different concept from a disease caused by ongoing exposure. So the best term for a disease resulting from workplace chemical exposure is occupational disease.