In what scenario might delayed effects occur?

Delayed effects occur when symptoms develop weeks or months after an individual has been exposed to a pesticide. This can happen because some pesticides, especially those with longer half-lives in the body, can take time to accumulate and manifest effects. The latency period can vary depending on the nature of the chemical, the duration and intensity of exposure, and individual susceptibility.

In contrast, symptoms arising from improper storage usually relate to immediate hazards such as exposure to the substance rather than delayed reactions. Immediate symptoms after contact indicate an acute reaction to a pesticide, and temporary symptoms that last only for hours do not encapsulate the idea of delayed effects, which are characterized by a significant time lag between exposure and the onset of symptoms. Thus, understanding delayed effects is crucial for proper pesticide safety and management, emphasizing the importance of monitoring for symptoms even after the exposure has seemingly ended.