Toxicologists use various methods to measure and assess increased toxicity:
- Dose-Response Relationship: This involves studying the relationship between the dose of a substance and the severity of its toxic effects. A steeper dose-response curve indicates higher toxicity.
- Biomarkers: These are biological indicators used to measure exposure, effect, or susceptibility to chemicals. They play a crucial role in risk assessment.
- Animal Models: Laboratory animals are often used to study the effects of toxins, although ethical considerations and alternative methods are increasingly significant.