Toxizität

Toxizität refers to the degree to which a substance can harm an organism. This harm can manifest in various ways, affecting different biological systems, and can be acute, occurring after short-term exposure, or chronic, developing over prolonged periods. The toxicity of a substance is influenced by several factors, including the dose, route of exposure, duration of exposure, and the individual characteristics of the organism, such as age, sex, and genetic makeup.

Different types of toxicity exist, categorized by the effects they produce. For example, neurotoxicity affects the nervous system, hepatotoxicity damages the liver, and nephrotoxicity harms the kidneys. Carcinogenicity refers to a substance's ability to cause cancer, while mutagenicity indicates its potential to induce genetic mutations. Reproductive toxicity impacts fertility and development.

Assessing toxicity is crucial for public health and safety. This is typically done through toxicological studies, often involving laboratory animals, to determine dose-response relationships and identify potential hazards. Regulatory agencies use this information to set exposure limits and guide safe handling and use of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other potentially harmful substances. Understanding toxicity helps in preventing poisoning, managing environmental pollution, and ensuring the safety of products we encounter daily.