What type of exposure refers to a short-term or brief interaction with a substance?

Acute exposure refers to a short-term or brief interaction with a substance, typically occurring over a short duration, such as minutes, hours, or a few days. This type of exposure can often lead to immediate health effects, which are generally associated with a single incident or event involving hazardous materials or conditions. For example, inhaling a toxic gas for a short period can result in acute symptoms.

In contrast, chronic exposure refers to long-term contact with a substance, which can lead to persistent health issues over time due to cumulative effects. Occupational exposure generally pertains to the risks and hazards that workers face in their job environments, and while it can involve both acute and chronic exposure, it doesn't specifically indicate the brief nature that acute exposure does. Environmental exposure involves interactions with substances present in the environment, which may also occur over long periods, thus not aligning with the concept of short-term exposure.