Toxicant

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A toxicant is any toxic substance, whether artificial or naturally occurring. [1] By contrast, a toxin is a poison produced naturally by an organism (e.g. plant, animal, insect). [2] The different types of toxicants [3] can be found in the air, soil, water, or food. [4]

Contents

Occurrence

Toxicants can be found in the air, soil, water, or food. [4] Humans can be exposed to environmental toxicants. [5] Fish can contain environmental toxicants. [6] Tobacco smoke contains toxicants. [7] E-cigarette aerosol also contains toxicants. [8] The emissions of a heat-not-burn tobacco product contains toxicants. [9] Most heavy metals are toxicants. [10] Diesel exhaust contains toxicants. [11] Pesticides, benzene, and asbestos-like fibers such as carbon nanotubes are toxicants. [12] Possible developmental toxicants include phthalates, phenols, sunscreens, pesticides, halogenated flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl coatings, nanoparticles, e-cigarettes, and dietary polyphenols. [13]

By contrast, a toxin is a poison produced naturally by an organism (e.g. plant, animal, insect). [2] The 2011 book A Textbook of Modern Toxicology states, "A toxin is a toxicant that is produced by a living organism and is not used as a synonym for toxicant—all toxins are toxicants, but not all toxicants are toxins. Toxins, whether produced by animals, plants, insects, or microbes are generally metabolic products that have evolved as defense mechanisms for the purpose of repelling or killing predators or pathogens." [14]

Biocides are classified as oxidizing or non-oxidizing toxicants. [15] Chlorine is the most commonly manufactured oxidizing toxicant. [15] Chlorine is ubiquitously added to drinking water to disinfect it. [16] Non-oxidizing toxicants include isothiazolinones and quaternary ammonium compounds. [17]

An intoxicant is a substance that intoxicates such as an alcoholic drink. [18] An intoxicant is a substance that impairs the mind and causes a person to be in a state varying from exhilaration to lethargy. [19]

Health impacts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arsenic</span> Chemical element, symbol As and atomic number 33

Arsenic is a chemical element; it has symbol As and atomic number 33. Arsenic occurs in many minerals, usually in combination with sulfur and metals, but also as a pure elemental crystal. Arsenic is a notoriously toxic metalloid. It has various allotropes, but only the grey form, which has a metallic appearance, is important to industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toxin</span> Naturally occurring organic poison

A toxin is a naturally occurring organic poison produced by metabolic activities of living cells or organisms. They occur especially as proteins, often conjugated. The term was first used by organic chemist Ludwig Brieger (1849–1919) and is derived from the word "toxic".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toxicology</span> Study of substances harmful to living organisms

Toxicology is a scientific discipline, overlapping with biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and medicine, that involves the study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms and the practice of diagnosing and treating exposures to toxins and toxicants. The relationship between dose and its effects on the exposed organism is of high significance in toxicology. Factors that influence chemical toxicity include the dosage, duration of exposure, route of exposure, species, age, sex, and environment. Toxicologists are experts on poisons and poisoning. There is a movement for evidence-based toxicology as part of the larger movement towards evidence-based practices. Toxicology is currently contributing to the field of cancer research, since some toxins can be used as drugs for killing tumor cells. One prime example of this is ribosome-inactivating proteins, tested in the treatment of leukemia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cigarette</span> Small roll of cut tobacco designed to be smoked

A cigarette is a narrow cylinder containing a combustible material, typically tobacco, that is rolled into thin paper for smoking. The cigarette is ignited at one end, causing it to smolder; the resulting smoke is orally inhaled via the opposite end. Cigarette smoking is the most common method of tobacco consumption. The term cigarette, as commonly used, refers to a tobacco cigarette, but the word is sometimes used to refer to other substances, such as a cannabis cigarette or an herbal cigarette. A cigarette is distinguished from a cigar by its usually smaller size, use of processed leaf, and paper wrapping, which is typically white.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poison</span> Substance that causes death, injury or harm to organs

A poison is any chemical substance that is harmful or lethal to living organisms. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broad sense.

Bioaccumulation is the gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a substance faster than it can be lost or eliminated by catabolism and excretion. Thus, the longer the biological half-life of a toxic substance, the greater the risk of chronic poisoning, even if environmental levels of the toxin are not very high. Bioaccumulation, for example in fish, can be predicted by models. Hypothesis for molecular size cutoff criteria for use as bioaccumulation potential indicators are not supported by data. Biotransformation can strongly modify bioaccumulation of chemicals in an organism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toxicity</span> Degree of harmfulness of substances

Toxicity is the degree to which a chemical substance or a particular mixture of substances can damage an organism. Toxicity can refer to the effect on a whole organism, such as an animal, bacterium, or plant, as well as the effect on a substructure of the organism, such as a cell (cytotoxicity) or an organ such as the liver (hepatotoxicity). Sometimes the word is more or less synonymous with poisoning in everyday usage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquatic toxicology</span> Study of manufactured products on aquatic organisms

Aquatic toxicology is the study of the effects of manufactured chemicals and other anthropogenic and natural materials and activities on aquatic organisms at various levels of organization, from subcellular through individual organisms to communities and ecosystems. Aquatic toxicology is a multidisciplinary field which integrates toxicology, aquatic ecology and aquatic chemistry.

Environmental toxicants and fetal development is the impact of different toxic substances from the environment on the development of the fetus. This article deals with potential adverse effects of environmental toxicants on the prenatal development of both the embryo or fetus, as well as pregnancy complications. The human embryo or fetus is relatively susceptible to impact from adverse conditions within the mother's environment. Substandard fetal conditions often cause various degrees of developmental delays, both physical and mental, for the growing baby. Although some variables do occur as a result of genetic conditions pertaining to the father, a great many are directly brought about from environmental toxins that the mother is exposed to.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecotoxicology</span>

Ecotoxicology is the study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms, especially at the population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere levels. Ecotoxicology is a multidisciplinary field, which integrates toxicology and ecology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smokeless tobacco</span> Tobacco product used by means other than smoking

Smokeless tobacco is a tobacco product that is used by means other than smoking. Their use involves chewing, sniffing, or placing the product between gum and the cheek or lip. Smokeless tobacco products are produced in various forms, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, and dissolvable tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco products typically contain over 3000 constituents. Smokeless tobacco is widely used in South Asia and this accounts for about 80% of global consumption, as per WHO data. All smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine and are therefore highly addictive. Quitting smokeless tobacco use is as challenging as smoking cessation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cigarette filter</span> Filter in cigarettes that reduce nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide

A cigarette filter, also known as a filter tip, is a component of a cigarette, along with cigarette paper, capsules and adhesives. Filters were introduced in the early 1950s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Environmental toxicology</span>

Environmental toxicology is a multidisciplinary field of science concerned with the study of the harmful effects of various chemical, biological and physical agents on living organisms. Ecotoxicology is a subdiscipline of environmental toxicology concerned with studying the harmful effects of toxicants at the population and ecosystem levels.

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are organic and inorganic compounds resulting from chemical reactions between organic and inorganic substances such as contaminates and chemical treatment disinfection agents, respectively, in water during water disinfection processes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reproductive toxicity</span> A hazard associated with chemical substances

Reproductive toxicity refers to the potential risk from a given chemical, physical or biologic agent to adversely affect both male and female fertility as well as offspring development. Reproductive toxicants may adversely affect sexual function, ovarian failure, fertility as well as causing developmental toxicity in the offspring. Lowered effective fertility related to reproductive toxicity relates to both male and female effects alike and is reflected in decreased sperm counts, semen quality and ovarian failure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Developmental toxicity</span>

Developmental toxicity is any developmental malformation that is caused by the toxicity of a chemical or pathogen. It is the structural or functional alteration, reversible or irreversible, which interferes with homeostasis, normal growth, differentiation, development or behavior. Developmental toxicity is caused by environmental insult, which includes drugs, alcohol, diet, toxic chemicals, and physical factors.

The use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) carries health risks. The risk depends on the fluid and varies according to design and user behavior. In the United Kingdom, vaping is considered by some to be around 95% less harmful than tobacco after a controversial landmark review by Public Health England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Composition of electronic cigarette aerosol</span>

The chemical composition of the electronic cigarette aerosol varies across and within manufacturers. Limited data exists regarding their chemistry. However, researchers at Johns Hopkins University analyzed the vape clouds of popular brands such as Juul and Vuse, and found "nearly 2,000 chemicals, the vast majority of which are unidentified."

Occupational toxicology is the application of toxicology to chemical hazards in the workplace. It focuses on substances and conditions that people may be exposed to in workplaces, including inhalation and dermal exposures, which are most prevalent when discussing occupational toxicology. These environmental and individual exposures can impact health, and there is a focus on identifying early adverse affects that are more subtle than those presented in clinical medicine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poisoning</span> Medical condition

Poisoning is the harmful effect which occurs when toxic substances are introduced into the body. The term "poisoning" is a derivative of poison, a term describing any chemical substance that may harm or kill a living organism upon ingestion. Poisoning can be brought on by swallowing, inhaling, injecting or absorbing toxins through the skin. Toxicology is the practice and study of symptoms, mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatments correlated to poisoning.

References

  1. ↑ Francisco Sánchez-Bayo, Paul J. van den Brink, Reinier M. Mann (9 September 2011). Ecological Impacts of Toxic Chemicals. Francisco Sanchez-Bayo. pp. 6–. ISBN   978-1-60805-121-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 "NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - toxin". National Cancer Institute.
  3. ↑ Stanley Manahan; Stanley E. Manahan (17 December 2009). Environmental Chemistry, Ninth Edition. CRC Press. pp. 629–. ISBN   978-1-4398-8247-4.
  4. 1 2 Ernest Hodgson (20 September 2011). A Textbook of Modern Toxicology. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 88–. ISBN   978-1-118-21129-8.
  5. ↑ Preston, Joshua D.; Reynolds, Leryn J.; Pearson, Kevin J. (2018). "Developmental Origins of Health Span and Life Span: A Mini-Review". Gerontology. 64 (3): 237–245. doi:10.1159/000485506. ISSN   0304-324X. PMC   5876086 . PMID   29324453.
  6. ↑ Gaskins, Audrey J.; Chavarro, Jorge E. (2018). "Diet and fertility: a review". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 218 (4): 379–389. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.010. ISSN   0002-9378. PMC   5826784 . PMID   28844822.
  7. ↑ Breland, Alison; Soule, Eric; Lopez, Alexa; Ramôa, Carolina; El-Hellani, Ahmad; Eissenberg, Thomas (2017). "Electronic cigarettes: what are they and what do they do?". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1394 (1): 5–30. Bibcode:2017NYASA1394....5B. doi:10.1111/nyas.12977. ISSN   0077-8923. PMC   4947026 . PMID   26774031.
  8. ↑ Perikleous, Evanthia P.; Steiropoulos, Paschalis; Paraskakis, Emmanouil; Constantinidis, Theodoros C.; Nena, Evangelia (2018). "E-Cigarette Use Among Adolescents: An Overview of the Literature and Future Perspectives". Frontiers in Public Health. 6: 86. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00086 . ISSN   2296-2565. PMC   5879739 . PMID   29632856.
  9. ↑ Li, Gerard; Saad, Sonia; Oliver, Brian; Chen, Hui (2018). "Heat or Burn? Impacts of Intrauterine Tobacco Smoke and E-Cigarette Vapor Exposure on the Offspring's Health Outcome". Toxics. 6 (3): 43. doi: 10.3390/toxics6030043 . ISSN   2305-6304. PMC   6160993 . PMID   30071638.
  10. ↑ Kim, Hyun Soo; Kim, Yeo Jin; Seo, Young Rok (2015). "An Overview of Carcinogenic Heavy Metal: Molecular Toxicity Mechanism and Prevention". Journal of Cancer Prevention. 20 (4): 232–240. doi:10.15430/JCP.2015.20.4.232. ISSN   2288-3649. PMC   4699750 . PMID   26734585.
  11. ↑ Leem, Jong Han; Jang, Young-Kee (2014). "Increase of diesel car raises health risk in spite of recent development in engine technology". Environmental Health and Toxicology. 29: e2014009. doi:10.5620/eht.e2014009. ISSN   2233-6567. PMC   4207092 . PMID   25318659.
  12. ↑ Costa, Chiara; Miozzi, Edoardo; Teodoro, Michele; Briguglio, Giusi; Rapisarda, Venerando; Fenga, Concettina (2017). "New insights on 'old' toxicants in occupational toxicology". Molecular Medicine Reports. 15 (5): 3317–3322. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6374 . ISSN   1791-2997. PMID   28339055.
  13. ↑ Wolff, Mary S.; Buckley, Jessie P.; Engel, Stephanie M.; McConnell, Rob S.; Barr, Dana B. (2017). "Emerging exposures of developmental toxicants". Current Opinion in Pediatrics. 29 (2): 218–224. doi:10.1097/MOP.0000000000000455. ISSN   1040-8703. PMC   5473289 . PMID   28059904.
  14. ↑ Ernest Hodgson (20 September 2011). A Textbook of Modern Toxicology. John Wiley & Sons. pp. 77–. ISBN   978-1-118-21129-8.
  15. 1 2 Linda Garverick (1 January 1994). Corrosion in the Petrochemical Industry. ASM International. pp. 103–. ISBN   978-0-87170-505-1.
  16. ↑ Pilotto, Louis S. (1995). "Disinfection of drinking water, disinfection by-products and cancer: what about Australia?". Australian Journal of Public Health. 19 (1): 89–93. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.1995.tb00304.x . ISSN   1035-7319. PMID   7734603.
  17. ↑ Rafael Vazquez-Duhalt; Rodolfo Quintero-Ramirez (18 September 2004). Petroleum Biotechnology: Developments and Perspectives. Elsevier. pp. 210–. ISBN   978-0-08-047371-0.
  18. ↑ Don Salm; Ron Sklansky (2001). Legislation on Recodification of Operating While Intoxicated and Safety Laws Pertaining to Motor Vehicle, All-terrain Vehicle, Boat Or Snowmobile Operation. Wisconsin Legislative Council. pp. 12–.
  19. ↑ Fahd Salem Bahammam (2013). Food and Dress in Islam: An explanation of matters relating to food and drink and dress in Islam. Modern Guide. pp. 1–. ISBN   978-1-909322-99-8.
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