What is Toxicology?
Toxicology is the branch of science that deals with the study of the
adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. It involves understanding the
mechanisms of action, assessing risk, and managing exposure to harmful substances.
How Do Chemicals Affect Human Health?
Chemicals can affect human health through various
routes of exposure such as inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and injection. The impact depends on several factors including the dose, duration, and frequency of exposure, as well as the specific properties of the chemical and the biological characteristics of the exposed individual.
What Are the Different Types of Toxic Effects?
The toxic effects of chemicals can be classified into
acute and
chronic effects. Acute toxicity results from short-term exposure to a chemical and is usually characterized by rapid onset of symptoms. Chronic toxicity arises from prolonged exposure and can lead to long-term health issues such as cancer, organ damage, and reproductive harm.
How Is Toxicity Measured?
Toxicity is often measured using
dose-response relationships, which describe the change in effect on an organism caused by differing levels of exposure. The
LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the population) is a common metric used to assess the acute toxicity of a substance.
What Are Endocrine Disruptors?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with hormonal systems, potentially causing cancerous tumors, birth defects, and other developmental disorders. They mimic or block hormones and disrupt the body’s normal functions.
What Role Does Toxicokinetics Play in Toxicology?
Toxicokinetics involves studying how a chemical is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. Understanding these processes helps in predicting the
toxicity of chemicals and designing appropriate interventions and
risk assessments.
What Are Some Common Toxic Chemicals in the Environment?
Some common toxic chemicals include
heavy metals such as lead and mercury, persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and DDT, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene. These can accumulate in the environment and pose significant health risks.
