TOXICOLOGY
                     TOXICOLOGY
What is 
toxicology?
Toxicology is a field of science 
that helps us understand the 
harmful effects that chemicals, 
substances, or situations, can 
have on people, animals, and 
the environment. 
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
power of 
science
Toxicology uses the power of 
science to predict what, and 
how chemicals may cause harm 
and then shares that 
information to protect public 
health. When talking about 
toxicology it is important to 
keep a few things in mind.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
Factors
Not everyone will respond to 
substances in exactly the same 
way. Many factors, including 
the amount and duration of 
exposure, an individual’s 
susceptibility to a substance, 
and a person’s age, all impact 
whether a person will develop a 
disease or not.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
Dose of the 
chemical or 
substance
The dose of the chemical or 
substance a person is exposed 
to is another important factor in 
toxicology. All substances have 
the potential to be toxic if given 
to humans and other living 
organisms in certain conditions 
and at certain doses or levels.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
Low-dose 
exposures
Toxicologists also realize that 
even low-dose exposures that 
may seem insignificant may 
have biological meaning or lead 
to an adverse health effect if 
the exposure is continuous or 
happens during a critical 
window of development.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
What is a 
toxicologist?
A toxicologist is a scientist who 
has a strong understanding of 
many scientific disciplines, such 
as biology and chemistry, and 
typically works with chemicals 
and other substances to 
determine if they are toxic or 
harmful to humans and other 
living organisms or the 
environment.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
Benefits of 
Toxicology
Companies, such as 
pharmaceutical and chemical, 
are able to develop safer 
products, drugs, and 
workplaces.
Consumers have access to 
information that helps them 
make decisions about their own 
health and prevent diseases.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
Benefits of 
Toxicology 
Cont.
Government agencies have a 
sound scientific basis for 
establishing regulations and 
policies aimed at protecting 
and preserving human health 
and the environment.
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
Subspecialtie
s of 
toxicology
1. Toxicogenomics
2. Aquatic toxicology
3. Chemical toxicology
4. Clinical toxicology
5. Ecotoxicology
Source: www.niehs.nih.gov
THANK YOU