Toxicology Flashcards
Toxicology
The study of poisons and their adverse effects on living organisms.
Basic Assumption Underlying Toxicology
All substances are poison, it is just a matter of the dose.
Carcinogen
Cancer causing agent.
Teratogen
Agent causing fetal or embryonic defects.
Mutagens
Agents that alter genetic material.
Xenobiotic
Agent that can produce developmental issues.
Toxic Substance
A material with toxic properties.
Toxicant
Toxic substance that is man-made or a result from anthropogenic activity.
Toxin
Toxic substance that is synthesized by an organism.
Dose-Response Relationship
Described the response of an organism to exposure from a toxic substance.
Dose-Response Curve
- Plotted dose-response relationship.
- Used to establish a causal relationship between exposure and biological effects, minimal dose needed to produce effects, or rate of effect.
- May be for an individual or a population.
Threshold
The value on a dose-response curve where the response first occurs, aka the lowest value that produces a response.
Factors that Impact Toxicity
- Route of entry
- Dose
- Duration of exposure
- Interactive effects
- Individual sensitivities
Additive Interaction
Add the individual effects.
Synergistic Interaction
The combination of the effects is greater than the sum of the individual effects.
