Toxicology is an interdisciplinary field that study the effect of toxicants on living organisms. Toxicants can be found naturally as well as synthetically, and they are inorganic or organic. Among inorganic toxicants, the most common are heavy metals/metal ions: arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, zinc and nickel. Their release to the environment from industries, mining and car exhaust as waste water and gas effluent are the threats to life. In addition, the utilization of heavy metals in alloys, pigments and different commercial products is another route of exposure. Medicinal implant is also another means of heavy metal exposure.
Despite the toxicity imposed by heavy metals, there are metals that are an important component of biological functioning in living organisms. Zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), rubidium (Rb), tin (Sn) and vanadium(V) are essential, but they are toxic above the optimum level needed by organisms. Non-essential toxic metals pose a serious problem by replacing essential elements or by disturbing their biological functions. Some essential metals have importance in reducing the effects of environmental pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Zn, Se and Sr prevent chromosome damage caused by PAHs. Further, there is preventive evidence for their action against carcinogenesis.
Books:
Poisoning and Drug Overdose, Seventh Edition (Poisoning & Drug Overdose)
Competences not graduates 