+

Green Chemistry
Introduction to Toxicology & Scientific View of Risk

Toxicology

Is the science of poisons (also called toxins)

Deals with the chemical nature of poisonous substances and how they produce adverse effects in biological systems Poison-any chemical agent that has the capacity to produce abnormal, undesirable, or harmful changes to an organism exposed to it A complex, interdisciplinary subject, straddling the fields of chemistry, biology, medicine, genetics, economics, and law

3 Main Branches

Clinical toxicology- deals with the effects of toxins (form of drugs) on human patients
Forensic toxicology-detecting the criminal use of toxic agents Environmental toxicology-studies the effects of industrial and agricultural toxin on human health and the environment

Fundamental Principle (2 substances)

Beneficial- water, food and medicine

Harmful-Poisons Every substance is toxic

Chronic vs Acute Exposure

Chronic Exposure-Long-term which cause damage after years of exposure

Acute: short-term which causes rapid death

How Toxins Work: Cancer Controversy

2nd most common cause of death in US

Toxicologists have pointed out that that numerous chemicals, exposure in high doses can kill cells through irritation and trauma alone

Toxins must come in contact with living tissue (oral ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption
Oral: chemicals enter the mouth in pure form and absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream Inhalation: or respiratory is the principle mode of entry for chemicals in the form of vapor, gases, and mists

How Toxins Work (cont)

Skin absorption: which is a protective barrier separating the rest of the body from the environment. Chemicals come through the skin through three mechanisms (ex. Sweat ducts, hair follicles)

Factors influencing toxicity

Chemical Combinations: Cigarette smoking combined with heavy asbestos exposure results in a risk of lung cancer
Environmental: People whose livers have been impaired through alcoholism or other diseases are more susceptible to effects of toxic substances Genetics: Age and overall state of health( food intake, level of activity) chemicals can affect the reproductive system

Scientific View of Risk

Risk is a Probability: ex: 42,000 Americans die in highway automobile accidents annually Assumption: many forms of cancer are attributable to physical and chemical toxins in the environment. Ex; exposure to radiation and smoking

Ranking of 11 Top Environmental Risks Public Vs. EPA

Hazardous waste
Industrial water pollution On job exposure to chemicals Oil spills Ozone depletion Nuclear power plant accidents

Global warming
Urban smog Ozone depletion Toxic air pollutants Alteration of habitat Indoor air pollution

Release of pollutants
Radioactive waste

Drinking water contamination

On job exposure