Our bodies absorb toxins either through the skin, by swallowing or by breathing them in. Different chemicals and different degrees of exposure produce different effects on the body. These effects can range from acute poisoning all the way to chronic, long-term, and even delayed effects.
Acute effects occur when someone absorbs or swallows or inhales a poisonous substance such as kerosene, or bleach. Acute poisoning is very obvious with symptoms occurring almost immediately.
Sometimes the effects of the toxins are less obvious and result in symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches and breathing difficulties. These symptoms may be short lived or chronic. They may recur when the person comes in contact with the chemical again - often more severe with repeated contact. Some chemicals accumulate in our body.
Chronic effects of toxic household cleaning products are often quite subtle and difficult to link to the chemical exposure. Symptoms may include migraine, depression, giddiness, nausea, or high blood pressure.
