AN AUTONOMOUS

POST GRADUATE TEACHING DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY

MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
RASHTRASANT TUKADOJI MAHARAJ NAGPUR UNIVERSITY
NAGPUR – 440033
SESSION – 2023-24

SEMINAR TOPIC : INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF TOXICOLOGY

TEACHER INCHARGE PRESENTED BY

Prof. S. C. MASRAM AISHWARYA ATILKAR
DR. URMILA JIWANTARE M.SC (SEM III)
CONTENT:
• Introduction

• Toxicology

• Toxic agents/substance

• History

• Types of toxicology

• Discipline of toxicology

• Scope of toxicology

• Conclusion

• Reference
 Introduction
Toxicology is the scientific study of poisons, exploring the adverse effects of chemicals
and substances on living organisms. This interdisciplinary field delves into the
identification, characterization, and understanding of toxic agents, their mechanisms of
action, and the ways in which they impact biological systems. By examining the
interactions between toxic substances and living organisms, toxicology plays a crucial
role in assessing and managing risks associated with exposure, contributing to public
health and safety.
 TOXICOLOGY
Toxicology is made up of two important words-Toxic and logy. If we
collaborate these 02 words then there meaning will be as- the branch of science
which involve the study of toxicity, its unwanted effects, its possible route of
administration and their treatment. Toxicology is very important branches in
pharmacology.

Toxicology is a branch of science or medicine which deals with properties,

action, lethal dose, toxicity detection and elimination of poison and it's sign,
symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and autopsy finding of poisoning cases.

Toxicology - Ancient Greek word

Toxicosis - poisonous
Toxicology can be defined as the branch of science that deals with poisons and their harmful effects on
living organisms.

Poison: A poison can be defined as any substance that causes a harmful effect when admitistered, either by
accident or by design, to a living organism.

Toxicant: A toxicant is any chemical that can injure or kill humans, animals, or plants; a poison.
For example Arsenic, a toxic metal, may occur as a natural contaminant of groundwater or may
contaminate groundwater as a by-product of industrial activities.

Dose: The dose is the actual amount of a chemical that enters the body. The dose received may be due to
either acute (short) or chronic (long-term) exposure. An acute exposure occurs over a very short period of
time, usually 24 hours. Chronic exposures occur over long periods of time such as weeks, months, or
years. The amount of exposure and the type of toxin will determine the toxic effect.
TOXIC AGENTS OR SUBSTANCE:
A toxic agent is anything that can produce an adverse biological effect.

It may be, Chemical (such as cyanide),

Physical (such as radiation)

Biological (such as snake venom).

 HISTORY
Early History:
Toxicology originated from the study of poisons in plants and animals. The term is
derived from "toxicon," a substance used on arrowheads. By 1500 B.C., the Ebers
Papyrus contained references to poisons like arsenic and aconite.

Middle Ages:
Paracelsus (1493-1541 A.D.) is a key figure, identifying toxins as chemical entities and
establishing links between chemical structure and toxicity. He is often called the Father of
Toxicology.

Modern History:
Orfila (1787-1853 A.D.) recognized toxicology as a distinct discipline. In the 20th
century, Louis Lewin (1854-1929) made significant contributions, writing a textbook on
toxicology. Rapid developments characterized toxicology in this era.
TYPES OF TOXICITY:-
The term toxicity applies to adverse effect of a chemical on a living organism.

1. Acute toxicity:- Any poisonous effect produced from a single or sort exposure (24 to
96 hours) of substance resulting in severe biological arm or death. It cause immediate
damage as result of single or short term exposure.

2. Chronic toxicity:- It is the development of adverse effects as the result of repeated

and long term exposure to a toxicant. Effects manifest after several weeks, months or
years after exposure.

3. Local toxicity:- Action of toxic substance is on specific area of contact.

4. Systemic toxicity:- Action or effect of toxic substance is distributed throughout the

body.
 DISCIPLINE OF TOXICOLOGY
Clinical Toxicology-
It deals with the effects of poisons/ toxicants on human beings, animals and other living organisms, their
diagnosis and treatment and methods for their detection etc.

Environmental Toxicology-
(ENTOX)It is a multidisciplinary field of science concerned with the study of the harmful effects of various
chemical, biological and physical agents on individual living organisms. It is not to be confused with
ecotoxicology which is concerned on studying the harmful effects at the population and ecosystem.
Forensic Toxicology-
It is the use of toxicology and other disciplines such as
analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical
chemistry to aid medico-legal or vetero-legal
investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use.

Genetic Toxicology –
It deals with the study of interaction of toxicants with the
process of heredity.
Developmental Toxicology –
It is the study of adverse effects on the developing organisms occurring
anytime during the life span of the organism due to exposure to chemical or
physical agents before conception (either parent), during prenatal
development or postnatally until the time of puberty.

Geographical Toxicology –
It deals with the geographical distribution of toxicants/ toxicity, e.g.
poisonous plants, poisonous animals and minerals.

Reproductive Toxicology –
It is the study of occurrence of adverse effects on the male or female
reproductive system due to exposure to chemical or physical agents.
Occupational Toxicology –
It deals with assessing the potential of adverse effects from chemicals in occupational environment and the
recommendations of appropriate protective and precautionary measures.

Aquatic Toxicology –
It deals with assessing the toxicity on aquatic organisms of chemicals discharged into marine and fresh water.

Industrial Toxicology –
It deals with the clinical study of workers of industries and environment around them.
Regulatory Toxicology –
It deals with the administrative functions concerned with the development and interpretation of
the mandatory toxicology testing programmes and controlling the use, distribution and
availability of chemicals used commercially and therapeutically.
For example, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates drugs, cosmetics and food
additives.

Nutritional Toxicology –
It is the study of toxicological aspects of food/ feed stuffs and nutritional habits.
Scope of toxicology
1. Biomedical

• Mechanisms of actions

• Effects of exposure

• Understanding biological responses through model toxic compounds

2. Public Health

• Recognition and identification of hazards

• Occupational exposure

• Development and use of pesticides.

3. Regulatory

• Development of exposure standards

• Detection methods

4. Environmental

• Chemical effects on plants, animals & ecosystems

5. Clinical

• Development of antidotes & treatments

• Recognition of exposure
 CONCLUSION

Toxicology stands as a vital scientific discipline, unraveling the intricacies of poisons and
their impact on living organisms. By delving into the identification, characterization, and
understanding of toxic agents, toxicology plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.
Its insights into the mechanisms of action and the assessment of risks associated with
exposure contribute significantly to our ability to manage and mitigate potential harm from
various toxic substances. As we continue to advance our understanding, toxicology remains
an indispensable tool in promoting safety and well-being in the face of complex
environmental and chemical challenges.
REFERENCE
• A textbook of modern toxicology, third edition-edited by Ernest Hodgson.

• Concept of Toxicology by Dr. Omkar.

• http://ec.europe.eu/health/ph-projects/2003/action3/doc/2003_3_09_a21en.pdf

• https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov
THANK YOU