Toxicology – Chapter 1

Toxicology – Chapter 1

1. What is a Toxin?

Toxins are chemical substances that have the ability to alter physiological functions at various levels, leading to bodily injury or even death when exposed to the body in certain doses.

2. Characteristics of Toxins:

• Dose: The amount of toxin plays a crucial role in the level of toxicity.

• Physicochemical Properties: Solubility, dispersion, volatility, stability, and accumulation capacity affect the ability of the toxin to penetrate and cause harm.

• Age: Children and the elderly are more susceptible to toxins than adults.

• Body Condition: Overall health, nutritional status, and chronic diseases all influence the extent of poisoning.

• Individual Sensitivity: Each person has different sensitivities to toxins.

3. Factors Affecting Toxicity:

• Subjective Factors: Species, age, sex, weight, body condition, individual sensitivity.

• Objective Factors: Route and method of administration, form, rate of drug delivery, co-administration with other drugs, drug tolerance.

4. Classification of Toxins:

• By Origin: Natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic.

• By Physicochemical Properties: Solid, liquid, gas; Inorganic, organic.

• By Toxicity: Based on the lethal dose for a 70kg human or the LD50 single-dose oral administration in mice.

• By Sample Processing and Analytical Method: Water-soluble, oil-soluble.

• Other Classifications: Site of toxicity, effect of the toxin, purpose of using the toxin.

5. What is Poisoning?

Poisoning is a physiological change under the influence of toxins, leading to impaired function and bodily injury.

6. Causes of Poisoning:

• Mistaking the type of toxin.

• Occupational exposure (a common case).

• Environmental pollution (water is the most dangerous source of pollution).

• Intentional poisoning or deliberate poisoning.

7. Levels of Poisoning:

• Acute Poisoning: Symptoms appear quickly (within 24 hours) after one or a few exposures to the toxin.

• Subacute Poisoning: Symptoms appear after several days or weeks, treatment is rapid but leaves residual effects.

• Chronic Poisoning: Appears after repeated exposures, the toxin accumulates in the body, causing structural and functional changes in cells, often without clear symptoms.

8. Poisoning Process:

• Absorption: Toxins enter the body through routes such as the digestive system, respiratory system, and skin.

• Distribution: Toxins are distributed to various tissues and organs in the body, depending on the physicochemical properties of the toxin and the accumulation capacity of the tissue.

• Metabolism: Toxins are metabolized in the liver into less toxic substances that are easier to excrete.

• Excretion: Toxins are excreted from the body primarily through the kidneys, liver bile, and respiratory system.

9. Impact of Toxins:

Toxins cause damage to organs in the body: Respiratory system, liver, blood, nervous system, digestive system…

10. Poisoning Treatment:

• Symptomatic Treatment: Minimizing the harmful effects of toxins on the body.

• Removal of Toxins: Removing toxins from the body using methods such as inducing vomiting, gastric lavage, laxatives, enemas, adsorption, respiratory elimination, renal elimination.

• Reducing Toxicity: Using specific antidotes, supporting liver and kidney function, regulating acid-base balance, replenishing water and electrolytes.

Note: The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If you suspect poisoning, contact the nearest healthcare facility immediately for prompt assistance.