CHAPTER 4 Flashcards
ACUTE TOXICITY
Adverse effects that occur within a short period after high-level exposure to a toxicant.
BIOLOGICAL MAGNIFICATION
The increase in toxicant concentrations as a toxicant passes through successive levels of the food chain.
CARCINOGEN
Any substance (for example, chemical, radiation, virus) that causes cancer.
CHRONIC TOXICITY
Adverse effects that occur after a long period of low-level exposure to a toxicant.
DOSE-RESPONSE CURVE
In toxicology, a graph that shows the effects of different doses on a population of test organisms.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The study of the effects of chemical, biological, and physical agents on the health of human populations
PATHOGEN
An agent (usually a microorganism) that causes disease.
PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPs)
Persistent toxicants that bio-accumulate in organisms and travel through air and water to contaminate sites far from their source.
PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
The idea that new technologies, practices, or materials should not be adopted until there is strong evidence that they will not adversely affect human or environmental health.
RISK
The probability of harm (such as injury, disease, death, or environmental damage) occurring under certain circumstances.
RISK ASSESSMENT
The quantitative and qualitative characterization of risks so that they can be compared, contrasted, and managed.
TOXICOLOGY
The study of toxicants, chemicals with adverse effects on health.
