Definition:
Cumulative exposure refers to the total amount of a hazardous substance, such as asbestos, that an individual has been exposed to over a period of time. It is typically calculated as the product of the concentration of the substance in the environment and the duration of exposure.
Phonetic Pronunciation:
(kyoo-myuh-luh-tiv iks-POH-zher)
Etymological Origin:
The term "cumulative" is derived from the Latin word cumulare, meaning "to heap up" or "to accumulate," and "exposure" originates from the Latin exponere, meaning "to put out" or "to expose." Together, the term reflects the concept of accumulated exposure over time.
Significance in Asbestos Context:
Cumulative exposure is a critical concept in asbestos-related health studies and litigation. It is used to quantify the total asbestos exposure an individual has experienced, which is directly linked to the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. In legal cases, cumulative exposure is often used to establish causation and assess the level of risk posed by asbestos exposure in occupational or environmental settings.
Synonyms or Related Terms:
Example Sentence:
"The plaintiff's cumulative exposure to asbestos over 20 years of working in shipyards was a key factor in the development of his mesothelioma."
Common Misconceptions:
