TOXICOLOGY

Toxicology: Case Study



Toxicology: Case Study

Introduction

Exposure to substances that have the potential to produce harmful changes in the human body is a daily occurrence. Toxicology is the study of the effects of such potentially harmful substances (e.g. chemicals, physical and biological agents) on the human body and the development of information or databases on the harmful effects such substances may produce (toxicity) and the clinical and biochemical manifestations of such harmful effects (clinical toxicology). This discipline enables the development of the best methods for preventing harmful effects of potentially dangerous substances (e.g. exposure assessments) and treatment of any harmful effects that may follow exposure to such substances (Zonderman 1999, 26). Toxicology has been defined as, “the science that studies the effects of drugs, environmental contaminants and naturally occurring substances found in water, air and soil and the use of that information to predict safe exposure levels.” In this paper, a case study regarding toxicology is discussed.

A sheep farmer complains to his GP of muscle pains, runny nose and eyes and low-grade fever. This followed dipping his sheep the day before. He has no previous medical history of this type and has not seen his GP for the last 20 years. He is also not taking any medication. The GP is concerned about toxicological risks to the patient and his family and seeks a toxicologist's advice.

Toxicology is the study of toxic substances, their origin, chemical composition and properties, effects on living organisms, methods of detection, Poison Control and Prevention. As part of forensic medicine and forensic techniques involved in detection of toxic substances in biological material (of the corpse, the stomach contents, body fluids), in materials or layers, determines the blood alcohol content or identify drug poisons (Zonderman 1999, 26).

Discussion

Toxicology and mechanism of action of halogenated cyclic hydrocarbons that contaminate food, including PCBs, dioxins, furans, natural toxins, including shellfish toxins (domoic acid and okadaic acid), mycotoxins such as vomitoxin ; antioxidants, including synthetic phenols such as BHA, mechanism of action of antioxidants, biological assessment of risk, carcinogenicity. Toxicology is the study of toxic substances, their origin, chemical composition and properties, effects on living organisms, methods of detection, Poison Control and Prevention (Corfield 2008, 56). The human body is related to the middle by a set of exchanges that help maintain a dynamic equilibrium. For example, respiration can absorb oxygen from the air and to reject carbon dioxide. Whatever we do, the environment influences us, and we influence the environment. This principle of action-reaction means that every action has consequences. The environment does not constitute a homogeneous whole, but rather a set composed of many elements, including chemicals that can affect the health of living organisms.

The farmer experienced muscle pains, runny nose and eyes and low-grade fever after the dipping of his sheep. The dipping of a sheep is a formulation of liquids of fungicide and insecticide which is used by the farmers and shepherds for the protection of their sheep from infestation against peripheral parasites such as lice, ticks, blow-fly and ...