Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. Toxicity can refer to the effect on a whole organism, such as an animal, bacterium, or plant, as well as the effect on a substructure of the organism, such as a cell (cytotoxicity) or an organ such as the liver (hepatotoxicity). By extension, the word may be metaphorically used to describe toxic effects on larger and more complex groups, such as the family unit or society at large. A central concept of toxicology is that effects are dose-dependent; even water can lead to water intoxication when taken in too high a dose, whereas for even a very toxic substance such as snake venom there is a dose below which there is no detectable toxic effect. Toxicity is species-specific, making cross-species analysis problematic. Newer paradigms and metrics are evolving to bypass animal testing, while maintaining the concept of toxicity endpoints.
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By Jamey EkinsJamey Ekins
Hey there, I'm Jamey, and I've been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. Growing up on a 50-acre farm in Ontario, Canada, I was surrounded by a menagerie of furry friends, from beloved cats and dogs to goats, horses, cows, and even chickens. Now, I call Victoria, British Columbia my home, and my heart belongs to my adorable Balinese cat, Milo. When I'm not editing blog posts here at TechnoMEOW, I enjoy helping solo entrepreneurs with their passion projects and online marketing. Over the years, I've also ventured into creating and selling various blogs. Beyond the digital world, I'm an avid crochet and knitting enthusiast and share my crafty creations on my blog, doublecrochet.com.
Updated On July 2, 2024
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