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Toxicity testing, also known as toxicological testing, is a scientific process used to evaluate the potential harmful effects of a substance on living organisms. This testing is crucial in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and industrial safety. The primary goal is to determine the toxicity level of a substance, which helps in assessing its safety and potential risks to human health and the environment.

The methods used in toxicity testing can vary depending on the type of substance and the specific endpoint being measured. Common endpoints include acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity. Acute toxicity tests assess the immediate effects of a substance, while chronic toxicity tests evaluate long-term exposure effects. Genotoxicity tests determine if a substance can cause genetic damage, and reproductive toxicity tests assess the impact on fertility and development.

Toxicity testing is typically conducted using laboratory animals, such as rats and mice, as well as in vitro systems, which use cells or tissues outside of a living organism. The results of these tests are used to establish safety guidelines, set regulatory limits, and inform the development of risk management strategies. The data obtained from toxicity testing plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of new drugs, chemicals, and other substances before they are introduced into the market or the environment.