Toxicology
Toxicology Studies
Major thrust areas for toxicological studies are:
- Agrochemicals and Petrochemicals
- Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics
- Personal care products
- Packaging materials for drugs, food and farm products.
- Medical devices (Syringes, Catheters, Blood transfusion sets, Dialysis units, gloves, sutures etc.)
- Herbal formulations and Ayurvedic drugs
Acute Toxicity Study:
This study provides information regarding the possible health hazards which are likely to occur, if human are exposed to a single dose of a substance. This way, can help determine the level of usage of that substance. This study also serves as a basis for classification and labelling & also initial information on the mode of toxic actions of a substance.The various routes of exposure for acute toxicity can be :
- Oral
- Dermal
- Inhalation
- Intravenous
- Intraperitoneal
- Other protocol specified route
Sub Acute Toxicity Study:
This study provides a detailed information on the toxic effects caused by repeated exposure and also the delayed effect which may result due to the cummulative effect of the chemicals on the tissues or other biochemical mechanisms. This study also helps in establishing the level of the safe usage of a compound. The likely routes are :
- Oral
- Dermal
- Inhalation
- Intravenous
- Intraperitoneal
- Other protocol specified route, The period of exposure may vary from 14 days to 90 days.
Chronic Toxicity Studies:
Chronic toxicity is done to characterize the profile of a substance in a mammalian species following prolonged and repeated exposure. The routes of exposure are most likely the ones to which the human are exposed to that particular compound.
Irritation Study :
The surface effects of a chemical on the skin and the mucous membrane is important because accidental contamination is always a possibility, hence to check any such effects the following studies are performed» Irritation to mucous membrane
- Primary skin Irritation
- Allergic Sensitization
Repeated exposure of a test substance can activate the immunological system that can be activated by prior exposure and the response may be characterized by various external factors like erythema & edema.This study gives information regarding the sensitization of the immune system towards a particular compound.
Reproductive Toxicity :
Many chemicals can affect the fertility and reproduction, often in an insidious manner without any overt signs of toxicity. Fertility of males & females can be affected or adverse effects on the developing embryo or fetus may result due to the exposure of chemicals.