Workers are often exposed to higher concentrations of chemicals than the general population, placing them at a greater risk of chemical poisoning and related health problems. For instance, asbestos—once widely used in construction, insulation, textiles, and brake linings during the industrial revolution—has been found to cause severe lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Due to its toxicity, asbestos use is now heavily regulated.
In modern industries, concerns extend beyond traditional industrial chemicals to include substances used in the electronics industry as well as bio-engineered and nano-engineered materials, which may present new types of health risks.
Toxicology is the scientific study of poisons and their effects on living organisms. Traditionally defined as “the science of poisons,” it is based on the principle that “the dose makes the poison,” meaning any substance can be toxic at a high enough dose. Over time, this field has evolved to encompass a broader understanding of how chemical, physical, and biological agents cause harm. Today, toxicology is defined as “the study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystem, including the prevention and mitigation of such effects.”
A toxicologist is a scientist who studies how harmful agents affect the body at the cellular, biochemical, and molecular levels. The adverse effects identified in toxicology can vary greatly—from immediate death to long-term health changes that may not appear until months or even years later, and they can impact specific organs, tissues, or biological processes within the body.