Toxicology
Definition:
Toxicology is the scientific field that studies adverse effects of chemicals and substances on living organisms and the environment
Relevance:
Toxicology is a key part of understanding the balance between benefit and risk of drugs or other treatments. When this discipline is applied to people, it is called human toxicology, however other branches also exist (e.g. veterinary toxicology, ecological toxicology, plant toxicology, etc). Researchers measure and analyse adverse outcomes related to substances, particles, pollutants, and bacterium, with the aim of identifying potential threats to humans and other living organisms. This field also involves assessing how to effectively treat organisms who have been exposed to certain toxins and can help determine proper dosage and thresholds for safe exposure. Its application is widespread, benefitting sectors like healthcare, construction, air and water quality control.
Toxicology is often closely related to the dose response relationship, where the severity of the biological response is correlated to the amount of substance (toxin/drug) the patient has been exposed to.
Teaching Tips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0NNyjVvnYo
Linked terms: Toxicity, Adverse effect, dose-response curve, teratogen, LD50, TD50, LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level), NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level)
Resources:
Eaton, D. L., & Gilbert, S. G. (2008). Principles of toxicology. Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology. The Basic Science of Poisons. CD Klaassen (ed), 11-34.
Marquardt, H., Schäfer, S. G., McClellan, R. O., & Welsch, F. (Eds.). (1999). Toxicology. Academic press.
Hathaway, B. K. (1986). Toxicology: An Overview. AAOHN Journal, 34(11), 519–523. https://doi.org/10.1177/216507998603401102
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