Forensic Toxicology Definitions

Flashcards covering key definitions and concepts in forensic toxicology.

Toxicology

A discipline of science dealing with poisonous substances that cause disturbances in the normal functioning of organisms.

Toxicologist

A scientist who studies poisons.

Toxicity

The nature of adverse effects produced by a substance and the conditions necessary for their production.

Toxic Effect

Health effects that occur due to exposure to a toxic substance.

Toxicant

Toxic substances produced by or as a by-product of human-made activities.

Toxin

Toxic substances that are produced naturally.

Toxic Symptom

Any feeling or sign indicating the presence of a poison in the system.

Selective Toxicity

A chemical that produces injury to one kind of living matter without harming another.

Dose

The actual amount of a chemical that enters the body.

Dose-response

The relationship between the dose of a substance and the effect on the exposed organism.

Toxic Agent

Anything that can produce an adverse biological effect.

Systemic Toxicant

A toxicant that affects the entire body or many organs.

Organ Toxicant

A toxicant that affects only specific tissues or organs.

Clinical Toxicology

Concerned with diseases associated with exposure to toxic chemicals.

Medical Toxicology

Subspecialty focusing on the prevention and treatment of injury from drugs and chemicals.

Environmental Toxicology

Studies chemicals that contaminate food, water, soil, or air.

Forensic Toxicology

Focuses on medical-legal aspects of chemical exposure and toxic injury.

Entomotoxicology

The analysis of toxins in insects that consume the remains of a toxic substance.

Dioxins/Furans

Toxic chemicals produced as by-products of industrial processes.

Immunoassay

Biochemical test that measures the presence or concentration of a substance.