General Principles of Toxicology - Terms and Concepts

Toxicology Study

• The study of the adverse effects of chemical or physical agents on living organisms is known as toxicology.
• Toxicology primarily studies the adverse effects of exogenous agents and their interactions with living organisms.

Types of Toxic Substances

• A toxic substance produced within living cells or organisms is referred to as an endotoxin.
• A toxic substance that is made by humans or put into the environment by human activities is referred to as a xenobiotic.
• A poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes and typically injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging is referred to as a venom.
• Any substance that produces disease conditions, tissue injury, or interrupts natural life processes when in contact with or absorbed into the body is referred to as a toxicant.

Branches of Toxicology

• Modern toxicology studies beyond the adverse effects of exogenous agents, including the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the metabolism of toxic substances.
• The area of study that deals with the structure and function of macromolecules essential to life is biochemistry.
• Mechanistic toxicology deals with the cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of toxicity.
• The primary focus of forensic toxicology is the analysis of biological samples for the presence of toxic substances to aid in the investigation of crimes and poisoning cases.
• The primary responsibility of a regulatory toxicologist is to decide whether a substance is safe for use by humans and the environment based on the results of toxicology studies.
• The role of clinical toxicology is to diagnose and treat poisoning cases in humans and animals.
• Risk assessment involves the evaluation of the potential risks associated with exposure to toxic substances.
• The science phase of toxicology is defined as hazard identification, which involves the determination of the intrinsic toxicity of a substance.
• Descriptive toxicology involves the study of the effects of toxic substances on living organisms.
• The responsibilities of a toxicologist include conducting studies, interpreting data, and providing recommendations to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of toxic substances.

Focus of Toxicology

• Forensic toxicology is primarily concerned with the analysis of biological samples for the presence of toxic substances to aid in the investigation of crimes and poisoning cases.
• Clinical toxicology designates an area of professional emphasis in the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning cases in humans and animals.
• The main focus of modern toxicology is to understand the mechanisms of toxicity and to develop strategies to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of toxic substances.
• Toxicology provides a scientific basis for risk assessment and the development of regulations to protect human health and the environment.