Toxicology testing

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Toxicology testing, also known as safety assessment, or toxicity testing, is the process of determining the degree to which a substance of interest negatively impacts the normal biological functions of an organism, given a certain exposure duration, route of exposure, and substance concentration.^[1]

Toxicology testing is often conducted by researchers who follow established toxicology test protocosl for a certain substance, mode of exposure, exposure environment, duration of exposure, a particular organism of interest, or for a particular developmental stage of interest. Toxicology testing is commonly conducted during

History

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The study of poisons and toxic substances has a long history dating back to ancient times, when humans recognized the dangers posed by various natural compounds. However, the formalization and development of toxicology as a distinct scientific discipline can be attributed to notable figures like Paracelsus (1493–1541) and Orfila (1757–1853).

Paracelsus (1493-1541): Often regarded as the "father of toxicology, Paracelsus, whose real name was Theophrastus von Hohenheim, challenged prevailing beliefs about poisons during the Renaissance era. He introduced the fundamental concept that "the dose makes the poison," emphasizing that the toxicity of a substance depends on its quantity. This principle remains a cornerstone of toxicology.

Mathieu Orfila (1787-1853): A Spanish-born chemist and toxicologist, Orfila made significant contributions to the field in the 19th century. He is best known for his pioneering work in forensic toxicology, particularly in developing methods for detecting and analyzing poisons in biological samples. Orfila's work played a vital role in establishing toxicology as a recognized scientific discipline and laid the groundwork for modern forensic toxicology practices in criminal investigations and legal cases.

Prevalence

Around one million animals, primate and non-primate, are used every year in Europe in toxicology tests.^[2] In the UK, one-fifth of animal experiments are toxicology tests.^[3]

Methodology

Toxicity tests examine finished products such as

Initial toxicity tests often involve computer modelling (in silico) to predict toxicokinetic pathways or to predict potential exposure points by modelling weather and water currents to determine which animals or regions that will be most affected. Other less intensive and more common in vitro toxicology tests involve, amongst others, microtox assays to observe bacteria growth and productivity. This can be adapted to plant life measure photosynthesis levels and growth of exposed plants.

Contract research organizations

A contract research organization (CRO) is an organization that provides support to the

Animal testing for cosmetic purposes is currently banned all across the European Union^[6]

See also

• Animal testing
• Children's Environmental Exposure Research Study

References