What personal factors can influence the effects of hazardous materials on a person?

The effects of hazardous materials on an individual can vary significantly based on several personal factors, with age, gender, and pre-existing health conditions being particularly influential.

Age affects how the body metabolizes and responds to hazardous substances; for example, children and elderly individuals may have different susceptibilities due to developmental or age-related changes in their physiology. Gender can also play a role; biological differences might affect how certain chemicals are processed in the body, as well as hormonal factors that could influence responses to toxic exposures.

Pre-existing health conditions are critical as well. Individuals with compromised immune systems, respiratory issues, or chronic illnesses may experience heightened effects from hazardous materials compared to those who are otherwise healthy. The presence of such conditions can lead to more severe reactions, longer recovery times, or increased vulnerability to long-term health consequences following exposure.

Considering these factors provides a more nuanced understanding of individual risk and how the same substance may impact different people in unique ways. Other options, while relevant to overall personal well-being and exposure risk in a broader sense, do not directly address how they can affect the specific response to hazardous materials.