Toxique

Toxique is a French adjective meaning capable of causing harm or poisoning. It is used to describe chemicals, environments, and even behaviors. In English, the closest equivalent is toxic or toxicity.

In toxicology, toxicity refers to the harmful potential of a substance. The severity of effects depends on the dose, the route of exposure (ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact), the duration of exposure, and individual factors such as age and health. Toxic effects can be acute or chronic; some substances are dangerous even at low doses.

Substances classified as toxic include industrial chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. Regulatory frameworks aim to identify hazards, set exposure limits, and provide labeling to communicate risks. In the European Union, classification and labeling rules along with REACH govern how these substances are handled to protect consumer and occupational safety.

Beyond science, the term toxique is also used in social discourse to describe relationships or environments that harm well-being, such as toxic relationships or toxic workplaces. It can describe situations or products with harmful effects, reflecting a broader use of the word in everyday language.

Related terms include toxicology, toxicity, and toxin. The etymology traces to Greek toxikon, meaning poison for arrows. The concept remains central in science, regulation, media, and everyday speech.