A person can hurt their back from lifting something too heavy. Someone can get frostbite from working outside in the winter. The type of harm depends on the part of the body that is exposed and the other factors shown in Figure 1. The strength, or ability of an agent or process to cause serious problems. Hazards can affect health in different ways.
Some hazards affect workers right away or soon after they are exposed.
Symptoms that show up quickly are called acute effects. Acute effects of a chemical exposure, such as a headache, may go away when you get some fresh air. Never let an employer get away with telling you not to worry about a chemical or other type of agent just because you can't see, smell or feel anything. Never let anyone get away with telling you that you will feel fine after getting some fresh air. It may do permanent damage that will affect you years from now.