Environmental Toxicology

1091 words 5 pages
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Toxicology
Name
April 9th, 2012
Env/410
Jennifer Ott

Environmental toxicology refers to specific organs as target organs. This is an organ that has the highest probability of being affected by exposure to a specific substance. Target organ toxicity refers to the negative effects a chemical has on that target organ after entry into the body (Hodgson, 2010). There are multiple organs such as the liver which are targeted simply because of ease of access. Any organ that can be accessed through less guarded cell walls or higher levels of lipids are more susceptible to entry by toxicants. High traffic organs like the kidneys and liver make it easy as they receive and filter all blood therefore taking the toxin in large doses to cleanse …show more content…

At the low dose of 8ppm coughing will commence leading to severe respiratory tract issues as well as eye and skin burns (Air Gas, 2012).
Another toxic substance is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral called asbestos (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). The most common types are Chrysotile and Amosite. It targets the respiratory system, eyes, and is known as a carcinogen because it causes lung cancer. With chronic exposure dyspnea will begin, interstitial fibrosis and restricted pulmonary functions will be observed as well as finger clubbing, and eye irritation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).
Gasoline is a volatile combination of flammable liquid hydrocarbons. Taken from crude petroleum it is highly used for internal-combustion engines. No matter the grade gasoline affects the eyes, skin, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, nose, throat, the respiratory tract, the central nervous system, the liver and kidneys (Amerada Hess Corporation, 2004). In the eyes the effects are moderate causing irritation. When it comes to the skin it depends on the exposure, if acute gasoline is mild but with prolonged contact toxic amounts can be absorbed and damage can be made. If the gasoline is ingested there are many major issues that will follow (Amerada Hess Corporation, 2004). First the breathing of liquid drops into the lungs when vomiting occurs, which can cause chemical pneumonia, lung damage, respiratory failure and ultimately death (Amerada Hess

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