Which of the following describes “chronic hazards”?

The concept of "chronic hazards" refers to risks associated with long-term exposure to harmful substances, which may not show immediate effects but can lead to significant health issues over time. This definition highlights the nature of these hazards as being linked to prolonged exposure, emphasizing that symptoms and negative health impacts might take years or even decades to manifest after initial contact with the hazardous material.

Chronic hazards are often insidious, as they can develop changes in the body that aren't immediately noticeable, making them particularly dangerous since individuals may not be aware of the risk they are under.

In contrast, other options focus on different types of hazards. Some discuss immediate harm or short-term exposure, which relates more to acute hazards rather than chronic ones. Additionally, there are mentions of purely physical health effects, which do not encompass the broader implications of chronic hazards that could also affect mental or emotional well-being over the long term. Hence, the identification of long-term exposure risks as the hallmark of chronic hazards is accurate and aligns well with established definitions in occupational health and safety contexts.