ABSTRACT
Environmental toxicology is concerned with the effects of environmental toxicants on the health of living organisms and the environment. Environmental toxicants are agents released into the general environment that can cause adverse effects on health. The study of environmental toxicology stems from the recognition that (a) human survival depends on the availability of clean air, water, and food and on the welfare of plants and animals; and (b) anthropogenic chemicals as well as naturally occurring chemicals can cause adverse effects on living organisms and ecological processes. The study of environmental toxicology thus focuses on how environmental toxicants, through their interaction with humans, animals, and plants, in«uence the health and welfare of these organisms.
