Toxicological Basics

In this chapter we describe the toxicological basics needed for an understanding of the most important properties of hazardous materials and associated regulations. 

A local effect of a substance is an effect which is restricted to the location where the action takes place. Corrosion and skin irritation are typical examples of local chemical effects. In addition to the skin as a primarily affected body organ, the respiratory tract, the eye, and the gastrointestinal tract after swallowing can also suffer local effects. Examples of chemicals with primarily local effects are 

To indicate the poisonous effects of different chemicals, the term acute toxicity is frequently used. An acute effect occurs in the case of a single exposure to the chemical. Normally the chemical effect appears within hours or days. In a very few cases the effect can be recognizable through harmful effects after weeks or months. Usually, chemicals react with particular target organs, and Fig. 2.1 shows a selection of the main target organs of well-known chemicals. 

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The first main part of this chapter opens with general aspects of chemical TA structures and the resulting physico-chemical properties, which determine the adequate choice of sample preparation, separation and detection techniques. Thereafter, pharmacological and toxicological basics of TA are outlined in general, followed by individual introduction of those TA, that are referred to in detail in this chapter. 

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Sebastian, M.M., Baskin, S.I., Czerwinski, S.E. (2007). Renal toxicity. In Veterinary Toxicology Basic and Clinical... 

Irwin RD, Boorman GA, Cunningham ML, Heinloth AN, Malarkey DE, Paules RS (2004) Application of toxicogenomics to toxicology basic concepts in the analysis of microarray data. Toxicol Pathol 32(Suppl l) 72-83... 

Pickrell, JA. In Veterinary Toxicology, Basic and Clinical Principles, Gupta, RC, ed., 305-311. Academic Press, New York, 2007. 

Recognizing chemical health and safety issues -toxicology basics. 

Murphy, M.J., 2012. Anticoagulant rodenticides. In Gupta, R.C. (Ed.), Veterinary Toxicology Basic and Clinical Principles. Academic Press/Elsevier,... 

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