Which term is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical substances on living organisms?

• A. Toxicology
• B. Toxic
• C. Hazard
• D. Dose

Answer: (A)

Toxicology is the study of how chemicals or physical substances cause adverse effects in living organisms. It examines how the amount and duration of exposure influence harm, the routes by which exposure occurs, and the mechanisms behind toxic effects. This field draws on biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science to assess risk and establish safe exposure levels. For instance, researchers might investigate how a pesticide at different doses affects organ function to build a dose–response understanding. The other terms describe something different: toxic describes the harmful property of a substance, hazard refers to the potential to cause harm, and dose is the actual amount of substance delivered. Thus, the study itself is toxicology.