Principles of Toxicology

Question 1

what’s a toxin?

Answer 1

substance made by living organism that causes adverse effects

Question 2

what’s NOAEL?

Answer 2

no observed adverse effects level

Question 3

what’s LOAEL?

Answer 3

lowest observed adverse effects level

Question 4

what’s the threshold dose?

Answer 4

the dose at which a toxic effect is first observed. the dose that leads to LOAEL.

Question 5

which endocrine disrupting agent is in polycarb plastics and lining of cans?

Answer 5

bisphenol A

Question 6

which endocrine disrupting agent is in plasticizers, shower curtains, beauty products?

Answer 6

phthalates

Question 7

what’s the “dirty dozen”

Answer 7

12 produce items that are high in pesticides and toxicants

Question 8

some toxins are beneficial at low concentrations. what’s this concept called?

Answer 8

hormesis

Question 9

what’s the certain safety factor?

Answer 9

ratio of (lethal or toxic dose in 1% of population) to (effective dose in 99% of population). also called margin of safety.

Question 10

what’s reference dose?

Answer 10

dose that’s assumed to have no adverse impact. RfD = NOAEL/(UF x MF)

Question 11

what’s the margin of safety?

Answer 11

MoS = TD_10% / human dose