TOXICOLOGY

Toxicology is the study of

the dynamic interaction of chemical with living systems.

 Toxicants- substances that produce

adverse effects of any nature. -May be chemical or physical in nature. Example:

Nicotine Nickel

Tar

ToxinsSpecific proteins produced by living organisms - Most exhibit immediate effects.

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Some examples of toxins include:

Bacterial toxins -are produced by bacteria that include exotoxins, endotoxins, interotoxins, neurotoxins, and toxic enzymes. Botulinus toxin- is one of several type-specific exotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Cholera toxin -is an exotoxin produced by Vibrio cholerae, in which a protein enterotoxin stimulates cells in such a way as to cause severe diarrhea characteristic of the disease. Chlostridial toxin -is one produced by species of Clostridium, which include those causing botulism, gas gangrene, and tetanus. In addition, C.difficile produces an exotoxin which causes severe intestinal necrosis. C.perfringens produces a number of potentially fatal exotoxins. Diphtheria toxin -is a protein exotoxin produced by Corynebacterium diphtheria. Dysentery toxin -is one produced by organisms of various species of Shigella. Erythrogenic toxin -is a bacterial toxin from certain strains of Streptococcus pyogenes. Extracellular toxin is an exotoxin. Gas gangrene toxin -is one of at least ten types of exotoxin produced by Clostridium perfringens. Intracellular toxin is endotoxin. Streptococcal toxin -is a mixture of exotoxins formed by Streptococcus pyogenes. Tetanus toxin -is a potent exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, consisting of two components, one a neurotoxin (tetanospasmin) and the other a hemolytic (tetanolysin).

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 Poisons- toxicants that cause immediate

death or illness when experienced in very small amounts. Example: o Common Household Poisons: 1. Insecticides 2. Mothballs 3. Toilet bowl cleaner.. Etc.

 Toxic Agent- anything that can

produce an adverse biological effect.

Example: A toxic agent could be an organic toxin like

pesticides, a metal like mercury or lead, or inorganic chemicals and compounds like asbestos. Lastly, heavy radiation (causing radiation poisoning) is a toxic agent.

The effect of Toxic substances

Cancer- known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of various diseases,

all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors do not grow uncontrollably, do not invade neighboring tissues, and do not spread throughout the body.

 Malignant Neoplasm tumors are cancer. Cancer

cells can invade and damage tissues and organs near the tumor. Also, cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is how cancer spreads from the original (primary) tumor to form new tumors in others parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis. Benign Neoplasm tumors are not cancer. They can usually be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Most important, cells from benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are rarely a threat to life.

Types of Cancer caused by Toxics

1.Lung Cancer-most commonly occurring cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. - 80% directly attributed to tobacco use (nicotine).
- other causes: tuberculosis, asbestos

exposure, exposure to radiation and air pollution.

 2.Colorectal Cancer - Incidence higher in

men. -Risk factors include familial polyposis, hereditary and ulcerative colitis. -others cause: alcohol consumption, smoking (nicotine), and sedentary lifestyle. 3.Prostate Cancer Risk factor is hereditary and an occupationally related risk factor w/c is exposure to cadmium. 4.Cervical Cancer Risk factor is closely related or linked to sexual behavior and STIs - Another caused is : low socio economic status, cigarette smoking (nicotine).

 5.Head and Neck Cancer Effect of alcohol

and smoking increases risk for cancer of head and neck. - Another cause : long-term sun exposure, and Occupational exposure. -Asbestos -Wood/leather work -Nickel -Machine tool operation -Tar

 6.Sun Cancer Due to an increase in outdoor activities, changes in clothing style, increase longetivity and ozone depletion non

melanoma skin cancer. - Serious form of skin cancer is caused by fair complexion, family history, multiple moles and occupational exposure to coal tar, creosote, arsenic or radium.

 Mutation- They can be defined as sudden and spontaneous changes in the cell. Mutations are caused by radiation, viruses, transposons

and mutagenic chemicals. Birth Defects Household cleaners, dishwashing detergents, furniture polish, bug sprays, and carpet cleaners contain toxic chemicals can cause birth defects.

Some picture of Birth Defects

birth defects Chernobyl

Birth Defects of the Limb

Birth Defects, Cancers Traced to US and British Weapons Used in Iraq

Birth Defects Related to Few Antibiotics Administered During Pregnancy