The solubility of a substance in a particular solvent is highly dependent on its polarity. Polar substances dissolve well in polar solvents like water, while nonpolar substances dissolve better in nonpolar solvents such as fats and oils. This principle, often summarized as "like dissolves like," is vital in predicting how a toxicant will behave in the body. For example, a hydrophilic toxin may be readily excreted through urine, while a lipophilic toxin may accumulate in fatty tissues.
