Toxicologists are specialists in the study of poisons and poisoning. As part of the more significant push toward evidence-based procedures, there is a movement towards evidence-based toxicology.
In addition to environmental, genetic, reproductive, occupational, and pharmaceutical, there are many more sub-disciplines that researchers may study.
Related: What is a toxicology test and why do we need it?
The following are subspecialties of toxicology:
Clinical toxicology
Clinical toxicology is a field that doctors and other health workers perform—someone who earned a master’s degree in clinical toxicology or a similar qualification. In addition, medical assistants, nurse practitioners, and other allied health professionals may all work as toxicologists in addition to doctors and other health care workers.
Computational Toxicology
It is a thriving and quickly evolving science that combines information and data from various sources to make decisions about health and safety.
The institute built mathematical and computer-based models for understanding better and forecasting harmful health consequences produced by chemicals, such as environmental contaminants and medications.
Forensic Toxicology
When toxicology and other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical chemistry are used to help medical or legal investigations into death, poisoning, and drug use, this is referred to as forensic toxicology.
It is not the legal consequence of the toxicological inquiry or the technology crucial in forensic toxicology but rather the acquisition and interpretation of data of primary interest.
Forensic drug testing
Forensic toxicology is in charge of developing rules, such as those prohibiting driving while under alcohol or narcotics. It identifies drug use among persons in the workplace, sports, drug-related probation, or new job candidate screenings known as forensic drug testing (FDT).
Genetic Toxicology
DNA damage caused by chemical or physical causes is investigated in this field. For example, injuries to the genes (i.e., DNA) that are not repaired quickly and adequately might generate mutations by altering the sequence.
Related: How Necessary Is Genetic Testing?
Human performance toxicology
The study of human performance toxicology involves the investigation of a dose-response connection between toxins in the body and their effect.
This branch of forensic toxicology is in charge of developing and enforcing rules such as those not allowing driving while drunk or illegal narcotics.
Medical Toxicology
To practice, medical toxicology needs physician status, including an MD or does degree and specialized education and experience.
In medicine, a specialization known as medical toxicology focuses on toxicity and provides services such as poisoning diagnosis, therapy, prevention, and other detrimental health impacts.
Toxicologists assess and treat a wide range of problems, including acute or chronic poisoning, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), drug overdoses, envenomation, substance abuse, addictions (including heroin and cocaine), and industrial accidents, and other chemical exposures.
Occupational Toxicology
It is the application of toxicology to chemical dangers in the work environment.
Specifically, it focuses on chemicals and circumstances at work, where inhalation exposure and skin exposure are the most significant risks.
It has been determined that various environmental and individual variables impact or confuse health consequences. Therefore, there is an emphasis on discovering early detrimental effects subtler than those reported in clinical care.
Also Read: The Importance Of Forensic Medicine And Toxicology?
Postmortem toxicology
Postmortem toxicology is the study of biological specimens acquired from autopsies to determine the effects of drugs, alcohol, and poisons on the body after they have been consumed.
A wide variety of biological specimens, including blood, urine, stomach contents, oral secretions, hair, tissues, and other materials, may be evaluated by this method.
When determining the cause and manner of death, forensic toxicologists collaborate with pathologists, medical examiners, and coroners to assist.
Pre-employment Toxicology
It is necessary to do a pre-employment drug test to establish whether or not a potential employee takes illegal drugs or abuses prescribed medications.
Pre-placement drug testing may also be utilized for workers returning to work after an accident or absence; in this case, the test is referred to as a pre-placement drug screening.