Toxicology and Global Exchange

Acute Effects (Exposure)

Short-term health effects from exposure.

Adaptation

Organisms changing to fit their environment.

Albedo

Reflectivity of surfaces like snow.

Background Extinction

Natural, ongoing species extinction.

Biomagnification

Toxins increasing up the food chain.

Biophilia

Love for nature and living things.

Carcinogens

Substances that cause cancer.

CERCLA (Superfund)

U.S. law for cleaning toxic sites.

Chronic Effects (Exposure)

Long-term health effects from exposure.

Climate

Long-term weather patterns.

CITES

Treaty to protect endangered species.

Dose

Amount of substance exposed to.

Dose-Response Curve

Graph showing effect of dose.

ED-50

Dose causing 50% effect in a group.

Endemic Species

Species found only in one place.

Endocrine System

Glands that control hormones.

EPA

U.S. agency that regulates the environment.

Extirpation

Local extinction of a species.

Immune System

Body's defense against illness.

Leachate

Polluted water from waste.

Light Pollution

Excessive artificial light.

Love Canal

Toxic waste disaster site.

Mutation

Change in DNA, causing genetic differences.

Neurotoxin

Toxin harming the nervous system.

Noise Pollution

Harmful disruptive noise.

PANs

Harmful compounds in smog.

PFAS

Toxic chemicals in non-stick products.

PCBs

Banned toxic chemicals in electrical equipment.

Teratogens

Substances causing birth defects.

Thermal Pollution

Water pollution from excess heat.

Threshold Concentration

Point at which effects begin.

Vector

Organism spreading disease.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions.

Zebra Mussels

Invasive species harming ecosystems.