CHST Practice Test – Complete Exam Preparation

Argon is an inert gas that is naturally present in the atmosphere and is not known to have harmful biological effects on health with typical workplace exposure levels. It does not react chemically with other substances, nor does it induce any toxic responses within the body. Because of these characteristics, repeated exposure to argon in the workplace is not likely to result in disease or disorder.

In contrast, the other substances listed—asbestos, silica, and lead—are all well-documented hazardous materials. Asbestos is known for causing serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer, particularly after prolonged exposure. Silica exposure can lead to silicosis, a debilitating lung disease, along with other respiratory issues and cancers. Lead is a neurotoxin and can cause a range of health problems, especially affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive health, even at relatively low levels of exposure. Thus, while argon safely exists in the workplace, the other options pose significant health risks with repeated exposure.