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Cumulative Exposure

If you have seen an attorney commercial on television, you are definitely familiar with cumulative exposure. “If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, call my office and get the money you deserve. And, uh...I'll get the money I deserve, too.”

Yes, cumulative exposure refers to exposure to some negative “thing” that, over time, affects your health or causes you injury.

Carpal tunnel is one example of cumulative exposure. Kim Kardashian’s cumulative exposure to contorting her wrist 20 hours a day to get her entire bikini-clad bod in the selfie caused a mean case of carpal tunnel, according to Keeping Up.

Find other enlightening terms in Shmoop Finance Genius Bar(f)