Toxicology: Eat well, Stay well, All is Well

OK so this is my second post for this year and I hope all of you read my last post. Anyway, maybe you're wondering why my topic today is entitled "Toxicology: All is Well" it is like you're thinking right now that my idea of relating toxicology to the words all is well is beyond to the point, it doesn't make sense right? so my advice, finish reading my blog and soon you'll realize what I really meant when I entitled it, Toxicology: All is well.


This is not the first time I heard and studied about toxicology, Last semester I remembered that on our pharmacology subject my professor defined what toxicology is. Being a student of Medical technology not only myself but all other Med tech students should know the Universal precautions which is, "Treat all specimens as potentially infectious" Why? because when we are exposed to some chemicals in a laboratory or to any other places there might be a possible effects without us knowing it might damage our system. 

Photo credit: http://www.all-about-forensic-science.com/images/forensic-toxicology-phd-topic-21286237.jpg

As I am reading the blog of my professor, Mrs. Virginia Gaces she mentioned that "All reagents, chemicals are to be considered as toxins and treated as such, no matter what their classification is. - 2009" This made me realize that this is the first thing to consider before exposing to some chemicals and telling yourself with confidence while tapping your chest, "all is well". Always wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before exposing and preparing yourself to this chemicals. Having an idea what Toxicology is without really defining it's meaning? 

Photo credit: My very own image of "Thinking"

As I mentioned awhile ago, there might be a possible effect that toxins may harm our body thus, Toxicology is the study of detrimental effects of reagents, specimens or generally chemicals on us and other living organisms. It is also the investigation of treatments, symptoms related to poisoning and detection why people are suffering from toxic chemicals. 

While reading my previous lectures related to my topic there are these types of toxicity screenings that how toxics affects us humans, the following are:

• Acute toxicity - It is the harmful effect of chemicals that may manifest in our body, for seconds, minutes or even days. 
• "No - effect dose - It is the largest dose at which a toxic is not seen
• Minimum lethal dose - from the name itself minimal amount of drug that can a kill a living organism
• LD50 "Ledian dose, 50%" - it is the amount of dose that can kill half of the test population 

Photo credit:  http://cancerfightingstrategies.com/images/chemicals-and-cancer-hazardous-toxins.jpg

• Subacute/ chronic toxicity - It is the prolonged or repeatedly exposure to the toxics or chemicals 
• Mutagenecity - it is the possible ability to induce genetic alteration or mutation
• Carcinogenecity - detection of possible ability to induce abnormal clonal uncontrolled proliferation in short it may induced cancer cells
• Teratogenecity - toxics that may affect the developing fetus

As you can see toxics or poisons are very harmful to our body because exposure to this chemicals may cause irritant effects on the skin it may even cause asthma, asbestosis or worst it may even cause us cancer. This blog is not meant to scare you towards chemicals, toxics, poisons my intention is to help you understand and help yourselves to always be conscious of this and don't take them for granted that it may cause dangerous effects in your health.  

Photo credit: http://www.age-well.org/images/Eat-Well-Stay-Well.jpg

So, for my conclusion I hope you've all learned what may be the cause and effect of this toxins to our body. Be smart, stay sharp towards this chemicals and, always EAT WELL, STAY WELL and everything will all just be fine at the end of the day, ALL is WELL! 

References : 

• Lectures from last semester, Pharmacology
• http://wwwclinchemexplorer.blogspot.com/2009/03/importance-of-ppe-personal-protective.html