Toxicology is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on studying the adverse effects of chemicals and other substances on living organisms. It plays a crucial role in assessing and mitigating potential risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment. 

At Hoeford our laboratory is mainly focused on pharmaceutical toxicology, a subdiscipline which aims to understand the mechanisms, actions, metabolism and toxicity of drugs and other chemicals as well as measure and analyse potential risks and consequences of exposure to these substances. 

In turn, pharmaceutical toxicology is closely linked to regulatory toxicology, which contributes to the development and implementation of regulations and guidelines for the safe use of drugs and other chemicals by assessing their safety and efficacy to establish safe exposure limits.

There is a large variety of toxicology disciplines and subdisciplines, each addressing different aspects of toxicological research. In this blog, we provide an overview of ten of the different types of toxicology subdisciplines and explore their unique contributions to our understanding of chemical hazards and safety.

Ecotoxicology or Environmental Toxicology examines how contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial pollutants impact organisms, populations, and ecological communities. Ecotoxicologists investigate the effects of these contaminants on plants, animals and microorganisms. The findings are used to develop strategies for pollution prevention, ecological risk assessment, and the preservation of biodiversity. 

Forensic Toxicology involves the application of toxicological principles to legal and criminal investigations. It focuses on the identification and quantification of toxic substances in biological samples to determine their role in injury, poisoning or death. Forensic toxicologists work closely with forensic pathologists, law enforcement agencies, and legal professionals to provide scientific evidence in cases involving drug overdoses, homicides, accidents and other incidents involving the suspected use of toxic substances.

Analytical Toxicology deals with identifying and quantifying toxic substances in biological, environmental, and pharmaceutical samples. It involves the use of techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry and immunoassays to detect and measure the concentration of drugs, toxins, and their metabolites. Analytical toxicologists play a crucial role in therapeutic drug monitoring, workplace drug testing, drug abuse prevention, and ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) focuses on the effects of chemicals on prenatal and postnatal development, fertility, and reproductive processes. It investigates how exposure to toxins during pregnancy or early life stages can lead to abnormalities, birth defects or reproductive dysfunctions. DART studies help in assessing the safety and risks of drugs, chemicals and consumer products and in the implementation of appropriate measures for protecting human health and the well-being of future generations.

Occupational Toxicology examines the health effects of workplace hazards and occupational exposure to chemicals, dust, noise, radiation and nanoparticles, and involves the identification, evaluation and management of health risks to employees. Occupational toxicologists assess the potential adverse effects of such exposure to inform health and safety guidelines, exposure limits and preventive measures to protect employees in the workplace.

Clinical Toxicology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of poisoning and toxic exposure in clinical settings. Clinical toxicologists work closely with healthcare professionals in poison control centres, emergency departments, and intensive care units to assess and provide medical care to individuals affected by drug overdose, accidental ingestion, envenomation or occupational exposures. 

Genetic Toxicology studies the ability of chemicals and substances to cause damage, mutation or alterations to genetic material, such as DNA. It includes a battery of tests and assays to evaluate the genotoxic potential of compounds. Genetic toxicology helps in assessing the carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of chemicals, understanding the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, and developing strategies for risk assessment and cancer prevention.

Behavioural Toxicology is a multidisciplinary field combining toxicology, neuroscience, psychology and ecology to investigate how drugs, chemicals and environmental conditions can induce changes in behaviour, including learning and memory, thinking, mood and cognitive function. Behavioural toxicology plays a crucial role in environmental toxicology, helping to assess the impact of toxicants on wildlife and ecosystems and how behavioural changes can influence their survival and overall ecological balance.

Immunotoxicology investigates the interactions between toxic substances, the immune system and the immune response. Immunotoxicology aims to understand the mechanisms underlying immunotoxicity and to assess the potential risks and consequences of exposure to immunotoxins. Immunotoxicologists use in vitro assays of immune cells or cell lines, as well as animal models and human studies to assess immune function, measure immune biomarkers, and evaluate the impact of toxic substances on immune responses.

Food Toxicology encompasses the study of natural toxins, food additives, contaminants, residues from pesticides and veterinary drugs that can be present in food. It aims to understand the mechanisms of toxicity and to assess the potential risks and consequences of exposure to these substances. Food toxicology is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles and knowledge from toxicology, food science, chemistry, microbiology, and epidemiology to understand the complex interactions between toxic substances and food and how they impact human health.

The primary focus of toxicology is to understand the harmful effects that drugs, chemicals, substances or situations can have on people, animals and the environment. It examines the relationship between a toxic substance, its effect on the exposed organism and the risks associated with exposure, all of which lead to the development of guidelines and regulations for their safe use. 

At Hoeford Research we have been conducting regulatory toxicology testing for nearly 60 years. Contact us today to discuss your testing needs.