The Pacific Gas and Electric Company poisoned the water in Hinkley, California. The poisoned water system had sickened many Hinkley, California residents with ailments like liver damage and cancer. How would the illnesses of the Hinkley residents be classified?

A) crisis diseases
B) curative diseases
C) acute diseases
D) chronic diseases

Chronic Diseases

Diseases that develop over a longer period of time and may not be detected until later in their progression, when symptoms occur.

Liver Damage

Harm to the liver that impairs its function, possibly caused by substances like alcohol or by diseases.

Poisoned Water

Denotes water that has been contaminated with harmful substances, making it unsafe for consumption or use.