One common misconception is the belief that "natural" substances are inherently safe, while "synthetic" chemicals are harmful. This oversimplification ignores the fact that many natural substances can be toxic (e.g., arsenic or ricin), while synthetic chemicals can be safe when used properly. Another misconception is the idea that the mere presence of a chemical equates to a health risk, disregarding the principle that "the dose makes the poison," a fundamental concept in toxicology.