DOCSLIB.ORG

Toxicology - Toxicity and Hazards

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Toxicology - Toxicity and Hazards 73 TOXICOLOGY - TOXICITY AND HAZARDS Ronald L. Mull, DVM, Ph.D. Extension Toxicologist Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California Davis, California 95616 A great deal of toxicity data is generated and dealt with during the course of pesticide registration. I want to discuss some of these today. Toxicology is the study of poisons and their effect. Historically, toxicologists have been concerned with the harmful effects of chemicals on man or his domestic animals. However, in recent years this has expanded to include studies of the harmful effects of chemicals in man, domestic animals, wildlife, and the environment. A poison, then, is a harmful chemical, wheth­ er it be of natural origin, such as strychnine, or a synthetic one as are many of today's pesticides. How or when is a chemical determined to be a poison? An early day physician, Paracelsus (1493-1541), made the following repll to the charge that he was treating his patients with poisonous chemicals , "All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison." So, we see that one of the basic tenets of toxicology, that the response to exposure to a chemical is dependent on the dose, is really not too new. The dose-response can be affected by many things such as; route of exposure; physical state of chemical (liquid, dust, etc.); lipid solubility of the chemical; physiological condition of the ani­ mal; previous exposure to the chemical or similar chemical; species, sex, and strain of the animal, etc. We are aware of the phenomenon of dose response in our daily lives, although we may not often think of it. Man intentionally exposes himself to many chemicals; chemicals called drugs. Numerous people frequently overdose themselves with the chemical ethyl alcohol and no doubt obtain the expected response. Most drinkers are well aware of the dose/response effect of this chemical and adjust their consumption (exposure) accordingly. This exposure may becom3 toxic if repeated frequently in sufficient doses. Another factor involved in studies of poisons is the identification of hazards. What causes a chemical to be hazardous? How is hazard related to harm? Estimation of hazard involves knowledge of the potential or proba­ bility for harm. There is no objective measure of this; one must study the facts of the situation and then make an informed, subjective determination of any hazard. An overdose with ethyl alcohol may well become hazardous to the intoxicated individual and to others in the vicinity should he begin to drive an automobile. The penalty for this provided under our laws reflect this greater hazard by their severity. Therefore, we see that the hazard of a chemical may change markedly, depending on how and when it is used. Let us examine further some of the factors which affect the toxicity of a chemical. Obviously, exposure must occur, and following this, the chemical must be absorbed into the body. This absorption will be slowed or ---------·-·---- - -- ------- ---- ----· 74 speeded, depending on such things as the route of exposure and nature of the chemical. As I mentioned previously, lipid soluble chemicals are gen­ erally absorbed more rapidly than are water soluble ones, and absorption following inhalation is generally more rapid than following ingestion or skin exposure. After absorption, the chemical will be translocated by the blood to other sites in the body or may be bound to components of the blood (e.g., parathion to cholinesterase). If the compound is water-soluble, it· will likely be rapidly eliminated by the kidney. However, biotransformation (to make it more water soluble) may have to occur before it can be excreted or it may be stored (e.g., DDT in body fat). The route of exposure may be of little or great significance. Isonazid, a drug used to treat tuberculosis, is quite independent of route of adminis­ tration, whereas, both DFP and pentobarbital are deperrlent2. Such knowledge is obviously quite necessary if thorough comparisons of toxicity of different chemicals are to be made. The most significant route of exposure to pesti­ cide chemicals in agricultural workers is likely to be thru inhalations of dusts or droplets and from skin contamination. Home poisoning usually in­ volves small children and is almost always through ingestion. The greatest exposure of urban groups to pesticide chemicals may be from "bug bombs" used in the house or from ree1idues in the food supply. One must consider the effects of repeated exposure to a chemical. Frequent exposure may result in accumulation of toxic concentrations in the body. This is shown by these data in Figure 1. Two groups of 25 men were EFFECTS OF REPEATED EXPOSURE TO A CHEMICAL / ETHYL ALCOHOL - 100 PROOF WHISKEY) MEAN BLOOD ETHANOL . % CONC. [W/V l .20 .15 AVG. 10 cf .10 2 OZ /HR/150 LB 25 cf .05 1 OZ/HR/150 LB 0 HOURS 1 2 3 4 .. Figure 1. Data from "Alcohol accumulation in humans after prolonged drinking", Olin. Pharmacol. Therap., 4: 619, 1963. 75 allowed to consume 100 proof whiskey at different rates, and the resulting concentration of ethanol in their blood was determined periodically there­ after. Note that the group receiving 2 oz/hr/150 lbs. were legally drunk (by California law) at about 2.5 hrs. after the experiment began. This oc­ curred shortly a~er their third drink (the first drink was at zero time). Such buildup of chemicals within the body is of particular concern to the pesticide applicator because he is exposed to chemicals in concentrated form. Another factor which affects the toxicity of a chemical is contamina­ tion with a second, more toxic, chemical. A good example of this is the oc­ currence of 2,4,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in some samples of the herbicide 2,4,5,-T. This contaminant was found to be present in samples of 2,4,5-T which had been shown to cause teratogenicity in rats. Further study of TCDD showed it to be a very toxic chemical and also a potent tera­ togen. Since later studies of pure 2,4,5-T have failed to demonstrate teratogenicity, it is generally felt that the TCDD was the cause in the earlier studiesJ. A brief examination of 2,4,5-T synthesis (Figure 2) shows why this contaminant may be formed if there is some malfunction during the synthetic process. Those of you who are chemists will realize that I have omitted some steps in the process, but what I wanted to show was the means of pos­ sible TCDD formation. Because 2,4-D is often indicated along with 2,4,5-T a look at its synthesis (Figure 3) may also be useful. SYNTHESIS Of 2,1/-D OH OH A Cl2 $Cl V ~ \ lNaOH PHENOL Cl CICH2COOH - + OCH2COOH OCH2COO Na CI H+ yr' Cl -- I O H2D ~ Cl Cl 2,4-0 Figure 2. 76 Cl Cl ,-CH2 COOH Cl I Cl NaOH 0.,.CI NaOH o-CI BHC 245 '0/ Cl 2 ,V CH OH • • · T/ cl'' , 'c1 Cl 1 3 Cl 1 Cl Cl CICH 2COON Cl ;.81.Cl30I Cl,uONa Cl)(XCI c1...~0"0.. c1 I + I Cl"' ~ Cl NaO h I Cl~o~'CI DIOXIN Figure J. Synthesis of 2,4,5-T and possible mechanism of TCDD formation. Please note that the process is quite different and there is no possi­ bility for TCDD formation. Data from Dr. Crosby's laboratory at u.c. Davis shows that TCDD is rapidly broken down by sunlight (Figure 4. In connection with this, scientists in Florida recently reported failure to detect TCDD residues in soil which had received very heavy applications of 2,4,5-T (947 pounds per acre) over a 3-year period. Tissue from bald eagles (the eagle was assumed to represent the top of the food chain) from Florida, Alaska, Maine, and Missouri also had no detectable residues. The authors, therefore, concluded that TCDD residues present no health hazards4. A step which is usually taken fairly early in the toxicological in­ vestigation of a pesticide is the determination of the lethal dose for 50% of the test animals, or LD50. I would now like to spend a few minutes dis­ cussing this familiar term. What is an LD50 and how is it determined? Well, get a couple of rats and give them a dose of a chemical. If only one dies, that is the LD50• Right? Unfortunately, I'm afraid that some people think it is about that simple. I want to tell you how the LD50 came about so that you can have some idea of its usefulness and limitations. During the early 1900's there were generally no methods available for chemical analysis of the crude drug extracts which were used in medicine. The potency of an extract was determined by the measurable biological response in a test animal, a biolassay. It became apparent to several investigators, each working independently and with different species, that the scatter of results following treatment \llere clustered in a normal distribution about a mean. 77 PHOTOLYSIS 2,J ,7,8-tetrac//lorodi/Jenzo-p-dioxin % UNREACTED (S mg/ liter in met//ano/J in sunlight 100 80 60 40 20 0 '"----L--..J...--'----"-----------0 2 4 6 8 IRRADIATION !HOURS) Figure 4. Breakdown of TCDD in sunlight, "Photodecomposition of Chlorinated Dibenzo-P-Dioxins", D. G. Crosby, et. al., Science 173:748, 1971. Figure 5 shows a theoretical dose/response curve with 3 different chemicals. The distribution about the mean are quite similar with com­ pounds A and B but A is the more toxic.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • HISTORY of LEAD POISONING in the WORLD Dr. Herbert L. Needleman Introduction the Center for Disease Control Classified the Cause
    HISTORY OF LEAD POISONING IN THE WORLD Dr. Herbert L. Needleman Introduction The Center for Disease Control classified the causes of disease and death as follows: 50 % due to unhealthy life styles 25 % due to environment 25% due to innate biology and 25% due to inadequate health care. Lead poisoning is an environmental disease, but it is also a disease of life style. Lead is one of the best-studied toxic substances, and as a result we know more about the adverse health effects of lead than virtually any other chemical. The health problems caused by lead have been well documented over a wide range of exposures on every continent. The advancements in technology have made it possible to research lead exposure down to very low levels approaching the limits of detection. We clearly know how it gets into the body and the harm it causes once it is ingested, and most importantly, how to prevent it! Using advanced technology, we can trace the evolution of lead into our environment and discover the health damage resulting from its exposure. Early History Lead is a normal constituent of the earth’s crust, with trace amounts found naturally in soil, plants, and water. If left undisturbed, lead is practically immobile. However, once mined and transformed into man-made products, which are dispersed throughout the environment, lead becomes highly toxic. Solely as a result of man’s actions, lead has become the most widely scattered toxic metal in the world. Unfortunately for people, lead has a long environmental persistence and never looses its toxic potential, if ingested.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxicology in the 21St Century (Tox21) Testing Thousands of Environmental Chemicals Using Non-Animal Methods
    UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION TOXICOLOGY IN THE 21ST CENTURY (TOX21) TESTING THOUSANDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS USING NON-ANIMAL METHODS Overview Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) is a US federal research collaboration that is developing alternative, non-animal methods to quickly and efficiently test thousands of chemicals for potential health effects. These approaches use advances in robotics technology to test chemicals for their potential to disrupt processes in the human body, which may lead to negative health effects. Since its formation in 2008, Tox21 has screened approximately 10,000 chemicals in more than 70 The computational model and • Companies are using Tox21data rapid tests called “qualitative high- assays have been reviewed by a when they submit European throughput screening assays”. This Scientific Advisory Panel and were chemical registration dossiers. accepted as alternative tests within includes chemicals used in Greater acceptance of Tox21 industrial processes and consumer the current EDSP Tier 1 testing requirements. methods by the scientific products as well as food additives, community approved and investigational • The European Chemicals drugs, and chemical mixtures. Agency’s document “Scenarios to • Tox21 has published over 200 scientific peer-reviewed articles in Accomplishments be implemented for searching for potential substances of concern” approximately 55 journals. Articles Tox21 methods inform highlights Tox21 assays that can were most frequently published in policy and regulatory be used for identifying potential Toxicological Sciences, decisions made about the endocrine disrupting chemicals. Environmental Health Perspectives, Chemical Research in Toxicology, safety of chemicals • The California Environmental and Environmental Science and • US EPA’s Endocrine Disruption Protection Agency has Technology.
    [Show full text]
  • TOXICOLOGY and EXPOSURE GUIDELINES ______(For Assistance, Please Contact EHS at (402) 472-4925, Or Visit Our Web Site At
    (Revised 1/03) TOXICOLOGY AND EXPOSURE GUIDELINES ______________________________________________________________________ (For assistance, please contact EHS at (402) 472-4925, or visit our web site at http://ehs.unl.edu/) "All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy." This early observation concerning the toxicity of chemicals was made by Paracelsus (1493- 1541). The classic connotation of toxicology was "the science of poisons." Since that time, the science has expanded to encompass several disciplines. Toxicology is the study of the interaction between chemical agents and biological systems. While the subject of toxicology is quite complex, it is necessary to understand the basic concepts in order to make logical decisions concerning the protection of personnel from toxic injuries. Toxicity can be defined as the relative ability of a substance to cause adverse effects in living organisms. This "relative ability is dependent upon several conditions. As Paracelsus suggests, the quantity or the dose of the substance determines whether the effects of the chemical are toxic, nontoxic or beneficial. In addition to dose, other factors may also influence the toxicity of the compound such as the route of entry, duration and frequency of exposure, variations between different species (interspecies) and variations among members of the same species (intraspecies). To apply these principles to hazardous materials response, the routes by which chemicals enter the human body will be considered first. Knowledge of these routes will support the selection of personal protective equipment and the development of safety plans. The second section deals with dose-response relationships.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethylene Glycol Ingestion Reviewer: Adam Pomerlau, MD Authors: Jeff Holmes, MD / Tammi Schaeffer, DO
    Pediatric Ethylene Glycol Ingestion Reviewer: Adam Pomerlau, MD Authors: Jeff Holmes, MD / Tammi Schaeffer, DO Target Audience: Emergency Medicine Residents, Medical Students Primary Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize signs and symptoms of ethylene glycol toxicity 2. Order appropriate laboratory and radiology studies in ethylene glycol toxicity 3. Recognize and interpret blood gas, anion gap, and osmolal gap in setting of TA ingestion 4. Differentiate the symptoms and signs of ethylene glycol toxicity from those associated with other toxic alcohols e.g. ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol Secondary Learning Objectives: detailed technical/behavioral goals, didactic points 1. Perform a mental status evaluation of the altered patient 2. Formulate independent differential diagnosis in setting of leading information from RN 3. Describe the role of bicarbonate for severe acidosis Critical actions checklist: 1. Obtain appropriate diagnostics 2. Protect the patient’s airway 3. Start intravenous fluid resuscitation 4. Initiate serum alkalinization 5. Initiate alcohol dehydrogenase blockade 6. Consult Poison Center/Toxicology 7. Get Nephrology Consultation for hemodialysis Environment: 1. Room Set Up – ED acute care area a. Manikin Set Up – Mid or high fidelity simulator, simulated sweat if available b. Airway equipment, Sodium Bicarbonate, Nasogastric tube, Activated charcoal, IV fluid, norepinephrine, Simulated naloxone, Simulate RSI medications (etomidate, succinylcholine) 2. Distractors – ED noise For Examiner Only CASE SUMMARY SYNOPSIS OF HISTORY/ Scenario Background The setting is an urban emergency department. This is the case of a 2.5-year-old male toddler who presents to the ED with an accidental ingestion of ethylene glycol. The child was home as the father was watching him. The father was changing the oil on his car.
    [Show full text]
  • Lead Poisoning
    3 Dec 2003 21:51 AR AR206-ME55-13.tex AR206-ME55-13.sgm LaTeX2e(2002/01/18) P1: GBC 10.1146/annurev.med.55.091902.103653 Annu. Rev. Med. 2004. 55:209–22 doi: 10.1146/annurev.med.55.091902.103653 Copyright c 2004 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved First published online as a Review in Advance on Aug. 18, 2003 LEAD POISONING Herbert Needleman Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213; email: [email protected] ■ Abstract Understanding of lead toxicity has advanced substantially over the past three decades, and focus has shifted from high-dose effects in clinically symptomatic individuals to the consequences of exposure at lower doses that cause no symptoms, particularly in children and fetuses. The availability of more sensitive analytic methods has made it possible to measure lead at much lower concentrations. This advance, along with more refined epidemiological techniques and better outcome measures, has lowered the least observable effect level until it approaches zero. As a consequence, the segment of the population who are diagnosed with exposure to toxic levels has expanded. At the same time, environmental efforts, most importantly the removal of lead from gasoline, have dramatically reduced the amount of lead in the biosphere. The remaining major source of lead is older housing stock. Although the cost of lead paint abatement is measured in billions of dollars, the monetized benefits of such a Herculean task have been shown to far outweigh the costs. INTRODUCTION In recent years, the focus in lead poisoning has shifted away from adults exposed to high doses in industrial settings to the larger population of asymptomatic chil- dren with lesser exposures.
    [Show full text]
  • Method of Rough Estimation of Median Lethal Dose (Ld50)
    b Meta olis g m & ru D T o f x o i Journal of Drug Metabolism and l c a o n l o r Saganuwan, J Drug Metab Toxicol 2015, 6:3 g u y o J Toxicology DOI: 10.4172/2157-7609.1000180 ISSN: 2157-7609 Research Article Open Access Arithmetic-Geometric-Harmonic (AGH) Method of Rough Estimation of Median Lethal Dose (Ld50) Using Up – and – Down Procedure *Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College Of Veterinary Medicine, University Of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria *Corresponding author: Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan, Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College Of Veterinary Medicine, University Of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, Tel: +2348027444269; E-mail: [email protected] Received date: April 6,2015; Accepted date: April 29,2015; Published date: May 6,2015 Copyright: © 2015 Saganuwan SA . This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Abstract Earlier methods adopted for the estimation of median lethal dose (LD50) used many animals (40 – 100). But for the up – and – down procedure, 5 – 15 animals can be used, the number I still consider high. So this paper seeks to adopt arithmetic, geometric and harmonic (AGH) mean for rough estimation of median lethal dose (LD50) using up – and – down procedure by using 2 – 6 animals that may likely give 1 – 3 reversals. The administrated doses should be summed up and the mean, standard deviation (STD) and standard error of mean (SEM) should be determined.
    [Show full text]
  • Small Dose... Big Poison
    Traps for the unwary George Braitberg Ed Oakley Small dose... Big poison All substances are poisons; Background There is none which is not a poison. It is not possible to identify all toxic substances in a single The right dose differentiates a poison from a remedy. journal article. However, there are some exposures that in Paracelsus (1493–1541)1 small doses are potentially fatal. Many of these exposures are particularly toxic to children. Using data from poison control centres, it is possible to recognise this group of Poisoning is a frequent occurrence with a low fatality rate. exposures. In 2008, almost 2.5 million human exposures were reported to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) in the United Objective States, of which only 1315 were thought to contribute This article provides information to assist the general to fatality.2 The most common poisons associated with practitioner to identify potential toxic substance exposures in children. fatalities are shown in Figure 1. Polypharmacy (the ingestion of more than one drug) is far more common. Discussion In this article the authors report the signs and symptoms Substances most frequently involved in human exposure are shown of toxic exposures and identify the time of onset. Where in Figure 2. In paediatric exposures there is an over-representation clear recommendations on the period of observation and of personal care products, cleaning solutions and other household known fatal dose are available, these are provided. We do not discuss management or disposition, and advise readers products, with ingestions peaking in the toddler age group. This to contact the Poison Information Service or a toxicologist reflects the acquisition of developmental milestones and subsequent for this advice.
    [Show full text]
  • From Murder to Mechanisms 7000 Years of Toxicology's Evolution
    From Murder to Mechanisms 7000 Years of Toxicology’s Evolution 7000 Years of Toxicology’s Evolution Michael A. Gallo, PhD, DABT (ret), Emeritus Fellow ATS Professor Emeritus Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Piscataway, New Jersey Toxicants: Friends or Foes? “The dose makes the poison” Paracelsus 1493-1541 Objectives This presentation provides a history of toxicology with a few classic examples. The Family of Toxicology Poisons Signs, Symptoms, Adverse Reactions & Antidotes Drugs Patent Medicines and Chemotherapeutics Food Natural toxicants Industrial Chemicals Occupational and Environmental Toxicity Safety Evaluation Hazard Identification Tools to Elucidate Biology Toxicology the Borrowing Science • Pharmacology • Pathology • Physiology • Biochemistry • Synthetic Chemistry • Analytical Chemistry • Molecular and Cellular Biology • High Resolution Imaging Earliest Humans* • Use of natural toxins • Oral history evolved • Animal venoms • Toxic metals • Plant extracts – Hunting* – Warfare – Assassination * still used by indigenous people in S. America, Borneo, Pacific Islanders Ebers Papyrus ~1500 BCE • Hemlock • Aconite (buttercup family) • Opium • Lead • Copper • Antimony • Venoms Hippocrates and Friends • Defined effective dosages of toxin • Described bioavailability • Theophastus (370-286 BCE) – De Historia Plantanum • Socrates- Hemlock • Dioscorides (Nero)poison classes through 19th • Discovery of BellaDonna (scopolamine) • Discovery of Digitalis (foxglove)Dioscorides
    [Show full text]
  • Primer on Forensic Toxicology
    1 OSAC’s purpose is to strengthen the nation's use of forensic science by providing technical leadership necessary to facilitate the development and promulgation of consensus-based documentary standards and guidelines for forensic science, promoting standards and guidelines that are fit-for-purpose and based on sound scientific principles, promoting the use of OSAC standards and guidelines by accreditation and certification bodies, and establishing and maintaining working relationships with other similar organizations. 2 The six subcommittees of the Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis SAC include Fire Debris and Explosives, Geological Materials, Gunshot Residue, Materials (Trace), Seized Drugs and Toxicology. 3 This resource is intended to provide a brief overview, or the “what”, “why”, “where”, and “how”, of the field of Forensic Toxicology. 4 Toxicology is the study of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. Toxicology relies on information from numerous scientific and social disciplines as well as engineering and statistics. 5 Forensic toxicology deals with the application of toxicology to cases and issues where adverse effects of the use of impairing, toxic and lethal concentrations of drugs have administrative or medicolegal consequences, and where the results are likely to be used in a legal setting. 6 Other career opportunities exist in hospitals, universities, and industry. 7 Paracelsus is often credited with one of the original conceivers of toxicology. Manly Hall, a famous author of the 19th Century called him "the precursor of chemical pharmacology and therapeutics and the most original medical thinker of the sixteenth century.“ A principle tenet of forensic toxicology is that the “dose makes something a poison”. For example, water is generally a safe and essential beverage all living organisms require to live, but if taken in an excessive amount this can interfere with a body’s chemistry and create a toxic environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Literature Review Health Effects Final July 2019
    LITERATURE REVIEW: OVERVIEW OF CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING AND ITS HEALTH EFFECTS July 2019 Literature Review: Overview of Childhood Lead Poisoning and Its Health Effects INTRODUCTION* Lead poisoning is a preventable disease caused by exposure to common sources, such as lead-containing dust or lead-paint.1 The scientific community has documented lead’s toxic effects since the Greek physician Nicander of Colophon identified paralysis and saturnine colic as consequences of exposure.2 Benjamin Franklin noted in his 1786 letter to Benjamin Vaughn that “Plumbers, Glasiers, Painters” and others in trades involving lead suffered health consequences from their work.3 Historically, lead compounds have been widely used as paint pigments and agents in gasoline.4 Lead toxicity in children was first reported in Queensland5 in 1892 by Dr. John Lockhart Gibson, who described children with severe neurologic disease associated with exposure to deteriorating white lead paint.6 In the United States, blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have decreased dramatically over the past four decades. Still, many children live in homes with deteriorating lead-based paint, putting them at risk for lead-associated cognitive impairment and behavioral problems,7 among others. Prior to the mid-1950s, a significant percentage of house paint available to Americans was 50% lead. The allowable lead content of paint was lowered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to 1.0 % in 1971, to 0.06% in 1977, and to 0.009% in 2009.8 Lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing is the most common and highly concentrated source of lead exposure for children. In 2002, Jacobs and colleagues assessed that “despite considerable progress, significant lead-based paint hazards remain prevalent, existing in 25% of all U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • A Small Dose of Historical Toxicology
    Chapter 5 - History of Toxicology and Lessons Learned Third Edition - Revised: 11/15/19 A Small Dose of Toxicology History Or An Introduction to the History of Toxicology and Lessons Learned Chapter 5 in Third Edition of A Small Dose of Toxicology - The Health Effects of Common Chemicals By Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT Institute of Neurotoxicology & Neurological Disorders (INND) Seattle, WA 98115 E-mail: [email protected] Supporting web sites web: www.asmalldoseoftoxicology.org - "A Small Dose of Toxicology" File: Chapter 5 HistoryofTox.ED3.11.15.19.docx – Date: 11/18/2019 – Page 1 of 6 History of Toxicology – Lessons Learned .................................................................. 2 Introduction - Antiquity ........................................................................................ 2 Early Poisons ....................................................................................................... 3 Toxicological Sciences ......................................................................................... 3 Recognizing Hazards ............................................................................................ 4 Regulation ........................................................................................................... 4 Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 5 History of Toxicology Resources ........................................................................... 5 History of Toxicology – Lessons Learned
    [Show full text]
  • Forensic Toxicology in Death Investigation
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. CHAPTER 5 Forensic Toxicology in Death Investigation Eugene C. Dinovo, Ph.D., and Robert H. Cravey Forensic toxicology is a highly specialized States, warrant an official investigation by the area of forensic science which requires exper­ coroner or medical examiner to determine the tise in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, cause of death. The resolution of many legal biochemistry, and forensic investigation. The questions depends on the official pronounce­ practicing forensic toxicologist is concerned ment of the cause of death. The settlement of not only with the isolation and identification insurance claims often rests on the pro­ of drugs and other pOlsons from tissues, but nouncement of the death investigator. Accu­ also with the interpretation of his findings for racy in determining the cause of death depends the medical examiner, coroner, or other legal on the cooperation and free flow of informa­ authority. tion among all members of the medicolegal In our modern drug-oriented society the investigative team: the police homicide need for the services of a toxicologist is clear. investigator, the medical examiner's investi­ The benefits received from medication are so gator, the forensic pathologist, the forensic well publicized that society tends to minimize toxicologist, and the medical examiner. the dangers and pitfalls. The American people The homicide investigator is usually the spend over $9 billion a year on drugs. In first to view the scene and, if he is properly 1971, the public spent approximately $5% bil­ trained, it is he who maintains the scene lion on prescription drugs and about $3'12 bil­ undisturbed for the medical examiner whom lion for over-the-counter medications (Arena he calls.
    [Show full text]