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.