Toxicity occurs when exposure to a toxicant leads to harmful health effects. The severity of toxicity depends on the dose, duration, and frequency of exposure. Toxicants can cause damage through various mechanisms, such as disrupting cellular processes, inducing oxidative stress, or interfering with normal biochemical pathways. Some toxicants are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic, posing long-term health risks. The concept of dose-response relationship is fundamental in toxicology, highlighting that even harmless substances can be toxic at high doses.
