Toxicology

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by Gabriel L. Plaa, volume 4, pp 347–350, 2005, Elsevier Inc.Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of xenobiotic agents on living organisms. It encompasses the detection, occurrence, properties, effects, and regulation of toxicants. In addition, toxicology plays an active role in society by advising how to mitigate, control, or prevent deleterious effects of toxicants. As a multidisciplinary science, toxicology continues to expand and evolve. Not many disciplines can achieve the perfect balance between production of science and direct applications, toxicology may be unique in this regard