What term describes a health effect that is long and continuous, occurring after repeated long-term exposure?

The term that describes a health effect that is long and continuous, occurring after repeated long-term exposure is "chronic." Chronic health effects typically develop over extended periods and can result from consistent exposure to harmful substances or conditions. Examples of chronic health issues include diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can arise from ongoing exposure to pollutants or irritants. This term indicates that the effects are not sudden but rather evolve over time, often leading to a prolonged condition that can impact quality of life.

On the other hand, acute health effects are characterized by a rapid onset and a short duration, often occurring immediately after exposure to a harmful factor. Transient refers to effects that are temporary and do not persist over time, while immediate denotes a reaction that occurs right away following an exposure. Each of these terms emphasizes different timelines and characteristics of health effects, making "chronic" the suitable choice for long-term exposure scenarios.