HAZWOPER Toxicology
A chemical’s ability to cause adverse health effects in people or animals is indicated by its toxicity. The more toxic a substance is, the smaller the dose required to produce a damaging effect. This module will help you better understand toxicity and exposure limit information so you can prevent dangerous exposures.
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Learning Objectives
• Define toxicology and toxicity • Describe the factors that affect toxicity • List and describe the 4 main routes of chemical exposure • Describe the different types of effects from toxic chemical exposure • Describe how dose effects toxicity • Describe the dose-response curve • Describe what can happen when exposed to multiple chemicals • Describe how toxicity is measured • List the different types of exposure limits and describe their purpose
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | 29 CFR 1910.120 |
Key Questions
What are the main routes of exposure to hazardous chemicals?
People can be exposed to chemicals through inhalation, absorption, ingestion, or injection.
What are acute and chronic effects?
Acute effects show up at the time of exposure or shortly after. Chronic effects are caused by repeated exposures over a long period of time. It can take years for symptoms to appear.
How is dose determined?
Dose is usually expressed as the amount of chemical per unit of body weight.
What is the dose-response relationship?
All substances are toxic if the dose is high enough. The relationship between the dose and the magnitude of its effects for a given route of exposure can be represented using a dose-response curve.
How is toxicity quantified?
Death is the typical response used to assess the relative toxicity of a substance. Toxicity can be expressed by LD50 or LC50 values, which represent the lethal dose (LD50) or concentration (LC50) required to kill 50 percent of a sample population.
Sample Video Transcript
The toxicity of a hazardous chemical depends on many factors, including: • Physical form of the chemical • Route of exposure • Dose • Personal characteristics like genetics, age, gender, health, and exposure history The more toxic a substance is, the smaller the dose required to produce a damaging effect. Symptoms can be acute or chronic. Acute symptoms occur quickly after brief exposure. Chronic symptoms are typically the result of long-term exposure, and they generally last a long time. The severity of both acute and chronic symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Understanding toxicity and exposure limits will help prevent dangerous exposures.
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