Introduction

Occupational or industrial toxicology is the application of the principles and methodology of toxicology to understanding and managing chemical and biological hazards encountered at work. The objective of the occupational toxicologist is to prevent adverse health effects in workers that arise from exposures in their work environment. The science of toxicology has many applications. One of these relates to exposure of people to noxious or hazardous agents during the course of their work. Field of occupational toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of agents that may be encountered by workers during the course of their employment.

The measurement of a chemical or biochemical effect in a biologic specimen for the purpose of assessing exposure is important. Biologic monitoring is an important tool to identify the nature and amount of chemical exposures in occupational and environmental situations.

Occupational environment

In occupational environments, exposure is often used as a surrogate for dose. The response to a toxic agent is dependent on both host factors and dose. The important modifying factors are contemporaneous exposures, genetic susceptibility, age, gender, nutritional status, and behavioral factors. These modifying factors can influence whether a worker remains healthy, develops subclinical disease that is repaired, or progresses to illness. The dose is a function of exposure concentration, exposure duration, and exposure frequency. Individual and environmental characteristics also can affect dose. Personal protective equipment must be used properly to maximize effectiveness.

Occupational toxicology

Occupational toxicology is not only important in chemical factories, but is just as relevant in high-street bakeries handling flour dust, or hairdressers using hair dyes. They also advise government on legal controls necessary to ensure that chemicals are handled and used safely. Occupational toxicologists must understand the potential toxicity (hazard) posed by a particular substance. They must then assess the risks to human health in specific occupational settings, taking into account the level duration and route of exposure and any other factors that influence the way that workers handle the substance. Workplaces are complex environments where many chemicals may be in use at the same time, so it is important that occupational toxicologists understand and can recognize the potential dangers of simultaneous exposure to more than one type of chemical. The risk assessments provided by occupational toxicologists are crucial for avoiding ill health linked to work.

In the unfortunate event of an accident involving a chemical at work, occupational toxicologists may be asked to advice on how to treat any workers that have been accidentally exposed to the chemical, or what action should be taken if a chemical is accidentally released into the environment. Having prepared a risk assessment, occupational toxicologists can advise on suitable working conditions and equipment needed to protect the workers exposed to the substance. They can also offer advice on how the substance should be safely handled and stored. It may be necessary to work with occupational hygienists and physicians to draw up rules that govern the use of chemicals, and to communicate this advice to management and employees. Occupational toxicology is the major aspect to deal with and it is necessary to take steps to decrease the toxicity.

The Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” is using Editorial Tracking System to maintain quality and transparency to the author in the peer-review process. Review processing will be performed by the editorial board members of the Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” or by Reviewers (outside experts in the field). Two independent reviewer’s approval (Minimum reviewer’s approval) followed by editor approval is obligatory for acceptance of any manuscript excluding an editorial.

Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com