Medical Toxicology

Toxicology

Toxicology is the scientific study of harmful effects of chemical, biological and physical agents in biological systems that establish the extent of damage in living organisms. It includes observing symptoms, mechanisms, detection and treatments of toxic substances, in certain relation to the poisoning of humans. It consists of environmental agents and chemical compounds, as well as Pharmaceutical Compounds that are manufactured for medical use by humans. These substances may produce toxic effects in living organisms including disturbance in growth patterns, discomfort, disease and death. Toxicology is the qualitative and quantitative study of the adverse effects of chemicals and other materials on living organisms. The dose of the substance is an important factor in toxicology, as it has a relationship with the effects on the individual. Factors that influence toxicity include the dose, the route of exposure, shape and structure of the chemical, the species, individual human factors and environment. Toxicology and Pharmacology are both studies that involve in assessing the properties of chemicals and their actions on the body, but differ significantly in other areas. Pharmacology focuses on the therapeutic effects of pharmaceutical substances and how they can be used most effectively for medical purpose. Whereas, toxicology is closely related to the adverse effects that can occur in living organisms that come into contact with chemical compounds. Toxicologists are also concerned with determining the risk of certain substances with risk assessment tools.