Most of time, we can quickly think about things that are harmful or dangerous to our health. Common items such as poison, chemicals, radiation, or even a toxic relationship and people. We can illustrate toxicity within all aspects of our lives. But when we think of water, food, or other natural sources that we need for survival, how can those things be toxic? Let's find out!
WHAT IS TOXICOLOGY?
CSI or Forensic Files images often run through our minds when we think toxicology. Toxicology is a broad range area of science that analyzes nature, and adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms. Additionally, toxicology studies detection of poisons and may be associated with the autopsy process in the event of a homicide or overdose (e.g., which is often the prime example illustrated in CSI). In the event that a substance has caused harm to a living organism, toxicologists and other health professionals, first want to find out how the individual was exposed, and how it entered the body.
ROUTES OF ENTRY INTO THE BODY
Below are the most common routes of entry (i.e. occupational) into the body that cause toxic exposure:
- Inhalation
- Absorption
- Ingestion
- Injection (aka "sharps" needles, contamination with bodily fluids, etc)
BIOTRANSFORMATION PHASE I & II
Biotransformation is a fancy word for the alteration process of a chemical or drug within the body. This process is split up into two categories: the metabolism phase (I), and the conjugation phase (II).
Phase I is the addition or exposure of a chemical to functional groups and begins the metabolism phase. Three main chemical reactions can occur here: 1) hydrolysis, 2) oxidation, and 3) reduction.
Phase II is where detoxification occurs within the body.
So, we've talked about predominantly chemicals and substances that are clearly harmful to a living organism, regardless of the amount or frequency of exposure. So, then, how can we claim that everything can be toxic, including substances us humans are made up of? We are about to find out!
WHAT IS DOSE-RESPONSE?
Does-Response refers to the relationship of exposure degree and the magnitude of the effect. The degree of exposure is the dose and the effect magnitude is the response. This is often illustrated in mortality percentage rate. You van view mortality rates for the United States here.
I've been referring the the element of water. For example, if a person is submerged under a large body of water, then they will be exposed to a large dose amount of that element. Therefore, if unable to breathe in oxygen for a period of time, the response will be the individual will drown. That is an example of how water is toxic to a living organism.
WHAT IS LD(50)?
LD50 is a benchmark used in toxicology. This refers to the dose of a chemical needed to produce death in 50% of the population given. This factor helps determine if action is needed within a population or area that may have a severe medical emergency or exposure.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE TOXICOLOGY?
So, all in all, we may be wondering by now: so why should I care? While many of us may not come into direct contact with a clearly toxic chemical on a daily basis, we all do have many things in common. We are all breathing beings. We inhale and exhale every second of the day and whatever is in our environment, we are exposed to and potentially at risk for. Additionally, we all use products that are needed for hygiene and other necessities (i.e., paper products, toothpaste, hand soap, detergent, etc.). These products as well are in fact toxic.
Some factors that influence toxicology are:
- Concentration
- Route of entry
- Acute versus Chronic exposure (e.g., duration and frequency time)
- Environmental factors
- Chemical combinations
- Intraspecies variations
- Interspecies differences (e.g., dogs versus cats)
We are all impacted by toxic substances every day. The more we know and can educate ourselves and the community around us the healthier we can be!
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