Delayed effects can be systemic effects, which are injuries to a body system such as the nervous system or kidneys. Which body system is listed as an example?

• A. Digestive system
• B. Circulatory system
• C. Nervous system
• D. Endocrine system

Answer: (C)

Systemic delayed effects refer to injuries that affect an entire body system rather than a single local area. The nervous system is listed as an example because it can be damaged by toxicants in a way that isn’t immediately obvious and may show up days or weeks after exposure. Neurotoxic pesticides disrupt nerve signaling, which can produce symptoms such as weakness, tremors, numbness, or cognitive changes that appear after the exposure has occurred. While the digestive, circulatory, and endocrine systems are important, this item uses the nervous system to illustrate the concept of a delayed, systemic injury.