Talk:Toxicology
Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms. It looks at the source, symptoms, distribution, short and long term effects, detections, mechanisms, and treatments of poisons, especially regarding human physiology. Toxins can come from virtually any source, but usually are from drugs, household supplies, industrial chemicals, other biology, and chemicals used in agriculture. [1]
Almost any chemical can be toxic, it is the dose that determines the toxic effect. As Paracelsus, the father of modern toxicology said, “Sola dosis facit venenum” (only dose makes the poison). Paracelsus, who lived in the 16th century, was the first person to explain the dose-response relationship of toxic substances. Also, some things are not toxic at certain does, but when taken with another chemical, produce a synergistic effect that manifests as a toxicity. An example is acetaminophen and ethanol: when combined at their respective non-toxic doses, they can produce a toxic effect [2].