The study of poisons and their effects on living organisms, including how toxic substances cause harm, how the body processes them, and how to treat poisoning. It includes environmental toxins, drug overdoses, and occupational exposures.
From Greek 'toxikon' (poison for arrows) and 'logos' (study). The word 'toxikon' originally referred to poison used on arrow tips, derived from 'toxon' (bow). Modern toxicology developed in the 19th century with industrial growth and increased chemical exposures.
Toxicologists live by the principle that 'the dose makes the poison' - even water can be toxic if you drink too much, while some deadly substances like botulinum toxin are used as medicine in tiny amounts. They're like chemical detectives who can determine what poisoned someone by analyzing blood, urine, or even hair samples weeks after exposure!
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