What Role Do Dose and Exposure Play in Toxicology?
The principle "the dose makes the poison" is central to toxicology. This concept, first articulated by Paracelsus, suggests that any substance can be toxic if exposure levels are high enough, while low doses may be harmless or even beneficial. Toxicologists study both acute and chronic exposure scenarios to determine how different levels and durations of exposure affect health outcomes. This helps in developing safety guidelines and limits for human and environmental exposure.
