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toxic

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can harm a living organism. A toxic substance can cause injury, illness, or death.

Toxicity can be measured in different ways. One way is to measure the amount of a substance that is needed to cause a certain effect. Another way is to measure the concentration of a substance in the environment.

Toxicity can be affected by a number of factors, including the type of substance, the amount of the substance, the way the substance is exposed to the organism, and the health of the organism.

Some substances are naturally toxic, while others become toxic when they are processed or manufactured. Some substances are toxic to only certain organisms, while others are toxic to most organisms.

It is important to be aware of the toxicity of substances in the environment. This information can help us to protect ourselves and our environment from harm.

How can the word be used?

The toxic chemicals in the soil contaminated the water supply.

toxic

Different forms of the word

Adjective:

  • poisonous or harmful.
  • very bad or unpleasant.

Noun:

  • a poisonous or harmful substance.

Etymology

The word "toxic" comes from the Latin word "toxicus", which means "of or relating to poison".

The first recorded use of the word "toxic" in English was in the 16th century.

The word "toxic" is a Latin word, and it is related to the Greek word "toxikon", which means "poison for arrows".

Question

What can be described as toxic?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of toxicity and its implications for human health. Describe how toxic substances can enter the body and the potential effects they can have on various organs and systems. Provide an example of a common household item that can be toxic if misused.

Answer:

Toxicity refers to the harmful effects that certain substances, known as toxins, can have on living organisms, including humans. These toxins can disrupt normal physiological processes and lead to adverse health outcomes. Toxins can enter the body through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, absorption through the skin, and injection.

Upon entering the body, toxins can target specific organs or systems, depending on their chemical properties and mechanisms of action. For example, heavy metals like lead can accumulate in bones and interfere with nervous system function, causing developmental and cognitive impairments in children. Pesticides, another class of toxins, can affect the nervous system and lead to various health issues.

An example of a common household item that can be toxic if misused is cleaning products containing bleach. Bleach emits fumes that can be inhaled, potentially causing respiratory irritation or damage. Direct skin contact with concentrated bleach can lead to chemical burns and irritation. Ingesting bleach can result in severe gastrointestinal distress and damage to the digestive tract.