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Questions and Answers
What is toxicology?
What is toxicology?
Study of the adverse effects of chemicals, physical and biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystem.
Which of the following agents may cause toxicity? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following agents may cause toxicity? (Select all that apply)
- Radioactive elements (correct)
- Drugs (correct)
- Ethanol
- Insecticides/herbicides (correct)
Who examines and communicates the nature of toxic effects?
Who examines and communicates the nature of toxic effects?
Toxicologist
Match the types of toxicologists with their functions:
Match the types of toxicologists with their functions:
Immediate toxicity occurs years after exposure to a substance.
Immediate toxicity occurs years after exposure to a substance.
What is the definition of poison?
What is the definition of poison?
Which effect might be observed due to prolonged exposure to Des?
Which effect might be observed due to prolonged exposure to Des?
Paracelsus stated, 'All things are poison and only the ______ permits something not to be poisonous.'
Paracelsus stated, 'All things are poison and only the ______ permits something not to be poisonous.'
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Study Notes
Introduction to Toxicology
- Toxicology examines adverse effects of chemicals, physical, and biological agents on organisms and ecosystems.
- Focuses on prevention and amelioration of adverse effects.
Agents Causing Toxicity
- Common sources of toxicity include:
- Drugs
- Insecticides and herbicides
- Plant and animal toxins
- Chemical weapons
- Radioactive elements
Roles of Toxicologists
- Toxicologists analyze and communicate the effects of toxins on human, animal, and environmental health.
Types of Toxicologists
- Mechanistic Toxicologist: Studies cellular, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of chemical toxicity.
- Descriptive Toxicologist: Engages in toxicity testing for safety evaluations and regulatory compliance.
- Regulatory Toxicologist: Assesses data to determine safety and risk profiles of chemicals for marketing and exposure.
Definition of Poison
- Poison is any agent that can cause harmful responses, impair function, or result in death in biological systems.
Concepts in Toxicology
- "All things are poison; the dose distinguishes between something that is not poisonous." - Paracelsus
Types of Toxicity
-
Idiosyncratic Reactions:
- Genetically determined adverse reactions; can present as extreme sensitivity or insensitivity.
- Example: Succinylcholine, a short-acting muscle relaxant, requires specific enzyme activity for metabolism that varies by genetic polymorphism.
-
Immediate vs. Delayed Toxicity:
- Immediate toxicity occurs rapidly after exposure.
- Delayed toxicity may develop over years, e.g., carcinogenic effects observed many years post-exposure.
-
Reversible vs. Irreversible Toxicity:
- Reversible toxicity refers to damage that can repair, such as liver injuries.
- Irreversible toxicity leads to permanent damage in tissues.
-
Local vs. Systemic Toxicity:
- Local toxicity affects the site of exposure only.
- Systemic toxicity involves target organs such as the CNS, circulatory system, liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
- ADRs are harmful or unintended responses that occur following drug administration.
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