Was Napoleon poisoned through small doses of arsenic? Unresolved issues like these can change historical interpretation, if not the course of history itself. This and more comes within the scope of toxicology, traditionally known as ?the science of poisons?. It gives us an understanding of how various agents can cause harm to humans and other organisms. A more descriptive definition of toxicology is ?the study of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical agents on living organisms?.

Toxicology is the study of the nature, effects and detection of poisons and the treatment of poisoning, its harmful effects on the body, including the level of toxicity, the mechanism by which toxicity occurs and how it can be controlled. It seeks to determine the mechanisms by which chemicals produce adverse effects in organisms.

The historical development of toxicology began with early cave-dwellers who recognised poisonous plants and animals and used their extracts for hunting or in warfare. By 1500 BC, written recordings indicated that hemlock, opium, arrow poisons, and certain metals were used to poison enemies or for state executions.

With time, poisons became widely used and with great sophistication. Notable poisoning victims include Socrates and Cleopatra. By the time of the Renaissance and the age of enlightenment, certain concepts fundamental to toxicology had begun to take shape.

The 20th century has been marked by an advanced level of understanding of toxicology. It is now recognised that virtually all toxic effects are caused by changes in specific cellular molecules and biochemicals.

What do i have to do?

Toxicological studies consider the cause, circumstances, effects and limits of safety of unintended harmful effects of food, additives, drugs and household and industrial products or wastes. Toxicologists have current and cutting-edge knowledge in environmental and human health toxicology. They are familiar with the process used to interpret biotoxicological data and have a working knowledge of techniques for risk assessment in human health and the ecosystem. Toxicologists are also supposed to apply the process of human and eco-toxicological risk management.

The toxicology testing methods are generally applicable in the fields of clinical and forensic toxicology, environmental toxicology, industrial toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring, and drug abuse testing.

An industrial toxicologist plays a vital role in developing safe products such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, pesticides, cosmetics, food and drink, household products and even radioactive materials for medical diagnosis.

An academic toxicologist?s work is characterised not only by its variety, but also by the stimulation it provides in lecturing and practical instruction.

A clinical toxicologist is a medically-qualified graduate, who has specialist knowledge of the adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals on humans and especially, how to treat them.

A forensic toxicologist deals mainly with medico-legal aspects of drugs and poisons. His or her main responsibilities include establishing and explaining the circumstances of legal cases where drugs or other chemicals are implicated. These can range from simple drunk driving cases to fatal accidents, suicide and murder investigations where deliberate or accidental poisoning is suspected.

An Ecotoxicologist studies the toxic effects of chemicals on the environment. This is a discipline that has come into existence only recently. Although the ecotoxicologist studies the immediate effect on individual organisms, his or her ultimate interest is the effect on population and on ecosystems.

What should i study?

You should have a bachelors or masters degree with chemistry and one of the bio sciences. For an MSc in toxicology offered at Jamia Hamdard, the eligibility is a BSc in any three of the following subjects: botany, chemistry, zoology, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental biology and life sciences with at least 55 per cent in aggregate.

You should have an aptitude for scientific and systematic investigation, which is required by toxicology experts. An enquiring and logical mind, curiosity, and systematic work habits are essential for success in this field.

What are the prospects?

The science of toxicology has direct relevance to human health, the environment and major sectors of the economy. The scientific community, governments, industry and the public all require information on the effects of potentially hazardous substances. Thus, there is a high demand for trained toxicologists in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries as well as the environmental sector.

After postgraduation you can pursue a career as a pharmacologist, oncologistp, biochemist, environmental protection specialist, clinical and morphological pathologist, or forensic medicine specialist.

WHERE TO STUDY

• Annamalai University, Chennai

• Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttaranchal

• University of Calcutta, 92 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Calcutta 700009

• Forensic Science department, University of Madras

• Jamia Hamdard, Department of Toxicology, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062