There are several types of toxicity tests, each serving a specific purpose:
Acute Toxicity Tests: Assess the effects of a single or short-term exposure to a substance, usually within 24 to 96 hours. Chronic Toxicity Tests: Evaluate the effects of prolonged exposure over a significant period, often covering a large portion of an organism's lifespan. Subchronic Toxicity Tests: Bridge the gap between acute and chronic tests, focusing on repeated exposure over a few weeks to months. Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity Tests: Examine the impacts on fertility, reproduction, and development of the offspring. Mutagenicity Tests: Detect genetic mutations that may lead to cancer or hereditary diseases. Carcinogenicity Tests: Assess the potential of a substance to cause cancer after long-term exposure.
