toxicologisch

Toxicologisch is an adjective relating to toxicology, the branch of science that studies the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms. In practice, toxicology investigates how exposures to chemicals at certain doses and durations can cause harm, and it uses information on hazard identification, dose–response relationships, exposure assessment, and risk characterization to understand and mitigate potential health and environmental risks.

The field includes several subfields and methods. Toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics examine how a substance is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated (ADME) and how it interacts with biological targets to produce effects. Ecotoxicology extends toxicology to ecological systems, while reproductive, developmental, neuro-, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicology focus on specific organ systems or endpoints. Research employs in vivo animal studies, in vitro assays, and in silico modeling, as well as omics approaches and high-throughput screening. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models are used to translate external exposure into internal doses for risk assessment.

Applied toxicology informs safety evaluations for pharmaceuticals, pesticides, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. Regulatory frameworks require toxicological data to establish hazard classifications, reference doses, and permissible exposure limits. In many regions, EU regulations such as REACH guide hazard assessment and risk management, and OECD test guidelines standardize testing methods. Ethical considerations emphasize the 3Rs—replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal testing wherever possible.

In Dutch usage, toxicologisch describes things pertaining to toxicology and is commonly found in phrases like toxicologisch onderzoek (toxicological study) or toxicologisch risicobeoordeling (toxicological risk assessment).