American Chemical Society (ACS) Laboratory Safety Practice Test

The key to understanding toxicity lies in recognizing the various methods of exposure and how they relate to the potential harmful effects of a substance. Inhalation, absorption, and other mechanisms describe how a toxic agent enters the body.

Dose refers to the quantity of the substance that is taken in, which is a crucial factor in determining the level of toxicity experienced. The age of an individual is significant in toxicity assessments as it can influence physiological responses and metabolic rates, thus affecting the overall impact of exposure.

When considering these factors, age stands out as it does not involve a method of exposure; rather, it highlights an inherent characteristic of the individual. This characteristic can affect vulnerability to toxins, but it does not describe how the toxin enters the body.