Environmental Toxicologist
Forensic Toxicologist
Toxinologist

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Toxicologists study the harmful effects of chemical, physical and biological agents on living organisms by detecting and examining the symptoms, mechanisms and treatments of poisoning (especially the poisoning of people).

They also determine safe or acceptable levels of exposure to particular agents. 

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Specialisations:

• Analytical Toxicologist - identifies and measures toxic agents in biological and environmental samples to determine the extent of exposure (after poisoning or a chemical spill, or during long-term environmental contamination, for example) and to monitor the remediation of chemical spills.

• Clinical Toxicologist - has medical qualifications to study the harmful effects of chemicals, drugs, pesticides and other substances on humans through the clinical diagnosis of symptoms and biological poisoning. Clinical toxicologists also treat and manage intoxicated patients.

• Environmental Toxicologist/Ecotoxicologist - studies the harmful effects of environmental exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents on living organisms (including their effects on humans, fish, other animals and plants), as well as their effects on ecosystems.

• Occupational Toxicologist - studies the harmful effects of substances used in the workplace to determine a safe or acceptable level of exposure to workers, as well as appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate worker exposure.

• Regulatory Toxicologist - has the primary role of ensuring public health and safety from the use of chemicals, drugs and pesticides by identifying potential health risks posed by exposure to such substances. Regulatory toxicologists provide advice to governments, health professionals, politicians and the public on potential risks associated with chemical exposure so that appropriate risk management strategies may be implemented to protect the health of workers and the public. 
  

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• enjoy and have an aptitude for science and research

• able to think logically and analytically

• able to carry out detailed and accurate work

• good communication skills

• able to think creatively and solve problems

• able to work as part of a team 

Students studying Toxicology at UWA

Duties and Tasks

Toxicologists may perform the following tasks:

• study the amount of exposure to a substance (from pollution caused by environmental contaminants such as industrial waste products or emergency events such as a gas leak, for example) and the potential effect it may have on public health, plants, animals and the ecosystem

• study how exposure to foreign chemicals affects the genetic, chemical, physical and structural composition of cells, tissues, organ systems and whole organisms

• devise and carry out experiments to determine how chemical or drug concentrations in the body change over time

• test newly discovered or manufactured substances for their safety, effects and possible use as drugs

• analyse blood, urine and other biological and environmental samples to identify the chemical composition and concentration of drugs, contaminants and other substances

• evaluate evidence from cases where tampering and contamination has occurred

• write scientific reports on research and investigations, as well as more general information for scientific, managerial, political and general audiences

• document results, preserve evidence and maintain chain of custody (the document or paper trail showing the process from evidence seizure through to the presentation of the evidence in court) in criminal investigations

• provide advice to managers, politicians, primary producers, healthcare workers, the general public and community groups 
  

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a toxicologist you usually have to complete a relevant science or forensics degree at university with a major in toxicology.

Toxicologists are employed across several industries, including pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries, environmental management, scientific research, government regulatory agencies, and other research organisations and health services. They are also employed in hospitals and educational institutions.

The term "forensics" means "of or having to do with a question of law." Forensic toxicologists are simply toxicologists who apply their knowledge to legal matters. They play a crucial role in solving crimes and helping to determine causes of death.

Forensic toxicologists play an important role in determining how certain substances affect human bodies. Their work often benefits the medical field, law enforcement and individuals who have lost loved ones. A forensic toxicologist is a scientist who performs specialized tests to examine tissue samples and bodily fluids for drugs or other chemicals. Through their research, they can help law enforcement officials determine what happened at the scene of accidents or medical emergencies. They can also contribute to the medical field by determining how substances impact the health of individuals and society. Families, investigtors and legal experts often rely on forensic toxicologists to determine how or why an individual died.

A number of crimes involve toxins entering the body, such as poisoning, driving under the influence, and using illegal drugs. Detectives and criminal investigators seek help from forensic toxicologists to get the answers they need when they suspect that a chemical substance is related to a crime.
  
Forensic toxicologists perform scientific tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples to identify any drugs or chemicals present in the body. Crime Scene Investigators rely on the forensic toxicologist to make reliable conclusions about the impact a specific amount of a specific substance would have on a specific individual. Often, this requires the professional to form an educated opinion based on science and experience.

A Forensic Toxicologist specialises in the study of alcohol, legal and illicit drugs, and poisons, including their chemical composition, preparation and identification. Forensic toxicologists also study the absorption, distribution and elimination characteristics of chemicals and substances in the body, as well as the way in which the body responds to them and the factors that determine drug safety and effectiveness.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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Knowledge, skills and attributes

Forensic toxicology involves working with sensitive materials in potentially hazardous environments. To avoid the potential dangers associated with the field and perform well in the role, you may benefit from developing certain skills. Common skills for a forensic toxicologist include:

• Critical thinking: Using critical thinking skills helps forensic toxicologists make accurate findings.

• Attention to detail: Paying attention to detail can prevent dangerous or costly errors.

• Knowledge of chemistry: Understanding chemical structures and reactions can ensure forensic toxicologists handle samples and equipment safely.

• Clinical methodology: Working in a forensic toxicology lab requires a scientific approach that allows professionals to function separately from their emotions.

• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as they may be called upon to provide courtroom testimony. Forensic toxicologists often communicate their findings with officials such as health care providers, law enforcement officers, lawyers and judges.

• Patience, efficiency, and focus to gather results under pressure

(Source: Chem Centre WA)

Duties and Tasks

Forensic toxicologists test samples of human tissue to determine if they're affected by a substance. If a substance is found, they work to understand how it impacted the person's health or behaviour. They typically work at law enforcement facilities, medical examiner's offices or private establishments like drug testing laboratories.
  
Some primary duties of a forensic toxicologist include:

• Testing tissues such as bodily fluids for drugs, alcohol, chemicals, gases and other substances. Identifying unknown substances by testing samples using chromatography, spectrometry, or other chemical tests

• Measuring the concentration of substances within the tissues. Reviewing autopsy reports and performing toxicological tests on blood and tissue samples from deceased persons to determine the cause of death

• Researching the effects of alcohol or substance consumption under specific circumstances. Interpreting data from drug test results, including blood alcohol levels and drug concentrations in urine, blood, or other body fluids

• Collecting and testing for harmful contaminants in food, drink or the environment. Conducting lab tests to identify illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and cannabis products such as hashish and marijuana

• Using chemical and biomedical instrumentation

• Informing law enforcement officers about the presence of substances or alcohol in an individual's system

• Working with medical examiners to determine if substances contributed to a person's death

• Helping environmental professionals measure the effects of certain chemicals on people and wildlife

• In the law enforcement sphere, forensic toxicologists might work for criminal justice agencies, police departments, or government labs. They might look for poisons and toxins such as alcohol, drugs, metals, chemicals, and gases. Sometimes, the toxicologist's findings are the primary factor in determining whether a crime was committed.

• Providing expert witness testimony in court proceedings

Follow your interest in forensics: Toxicology
https://youtu.be/QevbUnyEgzs

Working conditions

Most forensic toxicologists work in labs run by law enforcement agencies, medical examiners or private drug testing facilities. They often must sit or stand for long periods of time. The lab is usually run by a private drug testing company, a medical examiner's office, or the police. You may also spend part of your day working out in the field, such as at a crime scene collecting samples.

The tests they perform require very fine motor skills and a dogged commitment to following rigorous scientific protocols.

Working with bodily fluids and tissue samples can be messy and smelly. The forensic toxicologist is also exposed to details about crimes, which can be emotionally difficult.

Expect to work 40 to 60 hours a week, as you manage a heavy workload under stringent deadlines. Hours need to be flexible, as forensic toxicologists are expected to be on call to collect and analyze evidence. In addition, working out in the field visiting crime scenes may also require extended or unusual hours.

The workload can be significant, and when the samples come from a crime scene, the pressure to perform tests faster can be strong. The forensic toxicologist must be able to resist this pressure, work efficiently without rushing and prioritize effectively.

Tools and technologies
  
The forensic toxicologist performs tests on samples collected by forensic pathologists during an autopsy or by crime scene investigators. They use highly sophisticated instruments, chemical reagents and precise methodologies to determine the presence or absence of specific substances in the sample.
  
As part of a team investigating a crime, a forensic toxicologist will isolate and identify any substances in the body that may have contributed to the crime, such as:

Alcohol
Illegal or prescription drugs
Other chemicals
Poisons
Metals
Gases, such as carbon monoxide

The work requires patience and the ability to follow specific steps to achieve reliable results. The forensic toxicologist must document every step of the process and take care to follow rules regarding chain of custody for physical evidence.

A forensic toxicologist generally has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, clinical chemistry, pharmacology or another scientific field. Courses you might consider as part of your degree program include:

Toxicology
Forensic Science
Statistics
Data Analysis
Anatomy

Some universities now offer master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in forensic toxicology. Eg. Murdoch University; Griffith University; Monash University; UTS; University of Canberra; UNE.

Forensic toxicologists receive most of their training through their educational programs. They may also receive on-the-job training in their roles as forensic toxicologists. This training may include learning about the laboratory’s policies and procedures, the equipment they use and the software they employ.

As the science of forensic toxicology is constantly advancing, the forensic toxicologist has to keep pace with new technologies, methodologies and chemicals and this demands constant learning.

Forensic toxicologists will also need to conduct experiments to develop new techniques for detecting drugs or other substances in body fluids. They will have to conduct research on new drugs that may pose a danger to society, such as designer drugs ( designer drugs ) like bath salts or synthetic marijuana.

The employment of forensic toxicologists is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

The need to identify and prosecute drug traffickers will continue to drive demand for forensic toxicologists. As the use of new drugs increases, these specialists will be needed to identify the types and amounts of drugs present in biological samples.

The field of forensic toxicology has grown to include drug and alcohol testing for employers and traffic enforcement officials as well as testing animal samples for wildlife criminal investigators and testing for “date rape” drugs and performance-enhancing substances.

Forensic toxicologists also work on cases involving environmental contamination, to determine the impact of chemical spills on nearby populations.

Did You Know? Amanda Thompson - Forensic Toxicologist at Queensland Health's Forensic and Scientific Services - CAMEO "Real stories of life and death: why forensic toxicology is nothing like TV" - taken directly from Health Qld The Hollywood interpretation of forensics is played out on TV shows like CSI Miami where detectives, like Horatio Caine, stride around crime scenes in suits and sunglasses spitting out fast one liners and the labs are filled with more technology than Star Wars. In the real world, forensic work involves real people and real stories of life and death, and is a far cry from the examples set by TV shows, as Amanda Thompson explains. Forensic toxicologist Amanda Thompson shares a behind-the-scenes look at forensic work. I’m a senior chemist with the Forensic Toxicology department at Queensland Health’s Forensic and Scientific Services (FSS). Primarily, my job is about the detection of drugs and alcohol in biological specimens—blood, urine, saliva, hair, liver—as well as other samples from post-mortems. Most of our samples come from the Queensland Police Service and the Coroner’s office. For the police, there may be saliva samples collected during roadside drug testing, or blood samples from people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Other samples come from autopsies around the state and we’ll examine the samples to see if drugs were involved in a death. Or in some cases, we might be looking to see if a drug is absent. For example, if a deceased person was meant to be taking anti-depressants, the absence of the drug can be an important finding. Forensic toxicologist Amanda Thompson wears a lab coat and stands in a workplace signed 'Bio Hazard Area We work closely with other teams at FSS like Forensic Pathology and Forensic Chemistry to make sure we’re across the changes in drugs people are taking, so we know what we’re testing for. Some of the so-called ‘legal highs’ have become more popular in recent years, and while they may not be detected in standard workplace drug tests, we have a range of cutting-edge techniques that will pick up most things. When shows like CSI and NCIS were at their peak, there was an increased interest in this field and it became a more competitive field to get into. Some hearty competition is always welcome in a field like forensics because it helps bring some of the best and brightest minds into science. However, those shows don’t accurately reflect what we do as our work is very detailed and takes more time than people may realise. For example, if we are testing for drugs, we first have to extract the drugs out of whatever specimen we’ve received. If it’s a blood sample, it can take a few hours to separate the drugs from the blood and the other stuff mixed in there. From there, it’s run overnight on a machine to analyse before we can produce the results. Most people working in forensics specialise in one area—toxicology, or DNA for example—we’re generally not multi-disciplinarians. For anyone worried about monotony setting in, please don’t. There is always something interesting to discover. Although this is an extremely rewarding job, it can also be a challenging job. But I remind myself I’m doing something to help a person, and their family and friends. My work may be able to provide answers which contribute to determining the cause of death or help provide evidence to support police investigations. Knowing that there is always someone somewhere looking for answers and the results we’re producing helps provide those answers is a rewarding feeling (Source: Health Qld)

Toxinology is the specialized area of toxicology that deals specifically with animal, plant and microbial toxins, but is also considered a science in its own right.

Toxinology includes more than just the chemistry and mode of action of a toxin. It deals also with the biology of venom- or poison-producing organism, the structure and function of the venom apparatus as well as the use of the venom or poison, the ecological role of these compounds.

Toxins are natural substances, or substances produced by living organisms, in contrast to toxic substances from chemicals, which are toxicants. Living organisms producing or using toxins do so as either venoms or poisons. Venoms are toxins, or more commonly, collections of varying toxins, that are used actively against prey or predators, most commonly to subdue, kill and digest prey, or disuade predators. Poisons of natural origin, that is containing toxins and used by living organisms, are passive and generally used for defence. A predator attempting to molest or eat a poisonous animal, plant or mushroom will suffer adverse effects from the toxins in the poison, varying from mild discomfort to rapid death. Particularly food poisons, but also for a few venoms, the component toxins are not produced by the deploying animal/plant, but are made by micro-organisms and concentrated and used by the deploying animal/plant. A good example is tetrodotoxin, used by a variety of poisonous animals and by a few venomous animals.

(Source: Norwegian Veterinary Institute's Section for Chemistry and Toxicology)

Toxinologists study toxins, such as venoms and poisons, and the living organisms that produce them, including plants, fungi, microbes and various animals. They research the chemical structure and functions of toxins and explore the biological activities of toxin-producing organisms, like scorpions, snakes and spiders.

A toxinologist's work might focus specifically on improving ways to treat victims of venomous snakebites or jellyfish stings, or he or she might research ways toxins can be purified and cloned for use as medical therapies in patients recovering from strokes or heart attacks or those fighting cancer.

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Specialisations: Clinical Toxinologist - who focus on the medical effects in humans of exposure to the toxins in animal venoms or plant poisons. This includes such problems as venomous snakebite, currently considered to afflict >2.5 million people each year, with >100,000 deaths.

Toxinologists need analytical skills so they can conduct accurate, precise experiments in the lab, along with problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to help them formulate answers to tough scientific queries. They also need to exercise diligence since they'll be working with potentially dangerous organisms and their toxins.

Did You Know? If something is a toxin, you can call it toxic. But, of course, this is where things get a bit tricky: while the word toxin only refers to substances that are toxic in low doses, the adjective toxic can be used whenever something causes disease. You can have toxic amounts of water, but water is never considered a toxin. Hence the term toxinology as opposed to toxicology: the latter is the study of adverse effects that occur in living organisms due to chemicals, period. Any chemical in that causes harm no matter how large or repeated a dose required might be examined by toxicologists, while toxinolgists specialize on biologically-produced substances (“biotoxins”) that wreak havoc in small amounts and the biology and ecology of the organisms that wield them. Toxins can be further categorized by where they come from. Usually, toxins that are made synthetically are called toxicants, as opposed to the general term toxins, which occur in nature. Biological toxins are produced by living creatures, while environmental toxins are not (things like lead and arsenic, for example). Toxins also get classified by what they do, especially to us; hemotoxins are toxins that act on the blood, while neurotoxins attack nerves. And then there are subcategories of toxins based on how they enter the body. Oral toxins, for example, are toxins that cause harm when ingested, while topical toxins or are those that are harmful if applied to the skin. Some toxins are harmless if swallowed, but lethal if injected, so the route of entry can matter greatly. In fact, route of entry is so important that toxinologists use entirely separate words to refer to toxins based on delivery: venoms and poisons. Some toxins act when ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled; such toxins are referred to as poisons. Others enter our bodies through wounds deliberately inflicted by the toxic species—those are venoms. Essentially boils down to who the aggressor is: the toxic species (venoms) or the one who suffers the effects of the toxins (poisons). The difference between poison and venom is why toxinologists cringe every time they see someone referring to a “poisonous snake.” Toxins are substances that cause harm in small amounts. There are three main types of toxins: * venoms, *poisons and *toxungens, which differ based on route of delivery Toxungens are poisons that are aggressively wielded, like the squirting of poison by cane toads or spitting of venom by certain cobra species. Since no wound is inflicted when the toxins are sprayed, they aren’t considered “venoms” in context, but the animals aren’t exactly waiting to be harassed, either. Because the toxic species is actively involved in the delivery of its noxious chemicals, but they aren’t making wounds, we give them a special category all to themselves. (Source: Discover)

Duties and Tasks

A toxinologist's work might focus specifically on improving ways to treat victims of venomous snakebites or jellyfish stings, or he or she might research ways toxins can be purified and cloned for use as medical therapies in patients recovering from strokes or heart attacks or those fighting cancer.

• Characterising the anti-venom properties of repurposed drugs

• Screening of drug libraries

• Analysing the results and formatting for dissemination to collaborators

• Planning/Performing in vivo preclinical assays under supervision

• Collating data for manuscript preparation

• Administration

Working conditions

Toxinologists work under laboratory conditions.

Education and training/entrance requirements

While some entry-level work might be available for those with a bachelor's or master's degree, most toxinologist positions will require a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in biology, biochemistry or a related field. Another option is to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) by completing medical school. Regardless of the education path they choose, prospective toxinologists should choose a program that incorporates extensive laboratory coursework.

Employment Opportunities

 

Toxinology deals with cases of envenoming or poisoning from animals, particularly snakebite, spiderbite, related arthropod bites and stings and marine envenoming and poisoning. The Toxinology Department [at Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH), South Australia] was formed in 1990, though its origins go back to the 1970's. This is currently the only toxinology department in any Australian hospital, though there are a number of doctors with clinical toxinology expertise in other hospitals. Most have received training through the WCH Toxinology Department.

The Department provides a consultant clinical toxinology service to doctors, hospitals, poisons information centres and antivenom producers nationwide.

Continuing education is a vital part of the Department’s functions, with regular lectures to medical students, medical graduates, nurses and other health professionals, particularly those attending the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University. The Department, in conjunction with the University of Adelaide, runs a Clinical Toxinology Short Course every two years. This internationally recognised course is the only one of its type and attracts doctors and other health professionals from around the world.

Research interests include clinical aspects of bites and stings, especially snakebite and spiderbite, as well as basic research into venoms.

 

 

Did You Know? Dr. Yanni Chin - Structural Biologist & Toxinologist CAMEO Excerpt from K-zone KZ: Hi Yanni! What do you do at work? Y: I study toxins; the natural molecules secreted by organisms that are toxic or injurious to other living organisms. I’m interested in knowing what toxins do (the ‘harm’ they can cause) and how they do it. I am specialised in the study of toxins derived from animal venoms, such as spiders, scorpions, centipedes, sea anemones and more. These animals use venoms to capture prey and defend themselves, so venoms are important for their survival. Venoms are cocktails of thousands of toxins – the better and more effective toxins can be, the better chance the animals have to survive. The ‘effectiveness’ of a toxin is dependent on its 3-dimensional structure. Many toxins are built from smaller blocks of molecules. The way that the blocks are packed together gives them unique 3D structures, which determines their functions. My job studying these structures makes me a structural biologist. I derive the structure of these interesting toxins and investigate how the structures influence their functions. For example, venom from one spider would contain thousands of toxins and each toxin can have very different functions. One may cause pain in other insects, and another may paralyse them. These two toxins would have a different structure and visually look very different; though they are so small that you can’t really see them, even with some of the best microscopes in the world. KZ: What inspired your decision to work in this industry, and to study molecular structures of venom peptides? Y: Honestly, my interest in science originated from all the TV dramas I watched when I was young. I was always fascinated by CSI-style shows and I thought working in a laboratory in those white coats was super cool. I started doing science subjects and was always curious about how things work, especially chemistry and biology. I wanted to know how each part of our body functions and what can go wrong to make us sick. In the beginning it was all about my curiosity. After my PhD, I joined a group of scientists at University of Queensland (UQ) who are specialised in animal venoms. Together, we identified venom peptides (aka toxins) that have interesting and unique effects on our bodies. I learned that venom peptides do not only cause pain; some also target specific parts of our body and have the potential to cure many devastating diseases, such as chronic pain, stroke and epilepsy. Suddenly, my research was no longer only about satisfying my curiosity. We may actually develop something from animal venoms that can cure diseases! As a structural biologist I carefully study how changes in the structure of these venom peptides affects their activity in our body, and try to design modified (better) peptides that can target diseases with little side effects. Learning about venom peptides does not only tell us about how venomous animals produce venoms (their weapons) to help them survive. We can also take advantage of our understanding and turn it into medicine that may save billions of people who are suffering. KZ: What is the best thing about your job, and the hardest? Y: I suppose there are not many jobs out there that can satisfy my curiosity about living organisms, and at the same time giving me hope that I can contribute in developing medicines that will help people. This is the best feeling in the world for me. The hardest thing is to get everyone as excited as I am about my work. Sometimes it is not easy to convince people that our work is important. KZ: What has been the highlight of your career so far? Y: I am not so sure. Every structure that I’ve solved, every article I published, every question that I found an answer for in my research; these were all a highlight. Perhaps I am still waiting for an achievement in my career that I would proudly call it a peak, but right now I am just glad that I can continue contributing to the science community with my ‘little highlights’. KZ: Can you share an interesting behind the scenes fact about your job? Y: The scientists that you see on posters (often professors wearing a lab coat holding a test tube or a flask of coloured solution in a lab) have likely not been in the laboratory for months/years. As the head of the laboratory (which professors often are), they spend more time developing ideas and managing the laboratory, rather than actually conducting the experiments in the lab. Those blue or red coloured solutions in the photos are also usually random dyes. The solutions we work with are mostly colourless. KZ: Are you involved in any other projects, or working in any other roles? Y: As I am working in a university, I from time to time have to help and tutor students. I help developing practical classes for undergraduate science students and I help other postgraduate students (e.g. PhD/master students) with their research projects. With my expertise in structural biology, I also collaborate with pharmaceutical companies from other countries in their drug development projects. KZ: Did you study any subjects or courses as a child that gave you skills you use at work? Y: In Year 8, I had my first practical biology class. The task was to dissect a cow eye. I remember many of my classmates found it very nasty and refused to do the work, but I found it fascinating. I observed the eyeball, the sclera, the lens, and the optic nerves – it was so much fun. I suppose that made me realise how fun it is to know about biology, and science in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental toxicologists are highly skilled and competent professionals who study the effects of pollutants on the environment and human health. They analyze and evaluate data to determine the risk of exposure to toxic substances and develop protocols to evaluate potential health and environmental impacts. They also monitor the effectiveness of regulatory measures designed to protect public health and the environment.

Exposure to toxic substances can have a major negative impact on the environment, leading to serious health problems for both humans and animals. These toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals, can accumulate in soil and water, and are often consumed by plants and animals. As these toxins enter the food chain, they can cause an array of deleterious effects, such as organ damage, cancer, reproductive issues, and decreased immunity.

Environmental toxicologists are uniquely qualified to investigate these issues on a broad scale, as they are trained to identify the sources of contamination and assess how these pollutants interact with the environment. By understanding the cause and effect relationships between human activities and environmental health, environmental toxicologists are essential in helping protect the environment and its inhabitants.

Environmental toxicologists are involved in the development of policies and regulations to control the release of hazardous materials and emissions from industrial processes. Their expertise is essential in informing decision-makers about the potential risks associated with certain activities, as well as in providing solutions for reducing the risk of harm to humans, wildlife, and the environment.

(Source: Wikipedia)

 

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Alternative names: Ecology Toxicologist, Environmental Health Officer,

Specialisations

• Ecotoxicology is a subdiscipline of environmental toxicology concerned with studying the harmful effects of toxicants at the population and ecosystem levels.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Environmental toxicologists are scientists who study the effects of toxic substances on the environment. They identify, assess, and manage the risks associated with environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals. To do this, they must have a comprehensive understanding of the science of toxicology.

This includes knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of hazardous substances, the ways in which hazardous substances interact with the environment, and their potential health and ecological impacts. Furthermore, environmental toxicologists must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills in order to interpret data, recognize trends, and devise solutions to mitigate risks. they should possess excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate findings to stakeholders and provide recommendations for policy development.

Finally, environmental toxicologists should have a strong ethical commitment to protecting public health and the environment.

• Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and policies

• Expertise in assessing the risks associated with exposure to environmental toxins

• Understanding of environmental sampling and testing methods

• Analytical skills for interpreting data and drawing conclusions

• Knowledge of toxicology principles, including biochemical and cellular processes

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and regulatory agencies

• Ability to develop and implement environmental monitoring plans

• Working knowledge of GIS systems, statistical software, and other relevant software programs

• Familiarity with hazardous waste management principles

• Knowledge of soil science, hydrology, and other related disciplines

What is Environmental Health?
https://youtu.be/7TL9_VpEPbA?si=aLohKxx7yU_NCv_Y

 

 

 

Duties and Tasks

• Develop and implement research plans to evaluate the potential adverse effects of environmental pollutants on human health.

• Analyze laboratory data related to chemical exposure, pollution levels, and toxicity.

• Collect and interpret environmental data from field sampling.

• Monitor and evaluate environmental standards and regulations.

• Develop risk assessment protocols for hazardous materials and sites.

• Prepare reports outlining research findings and recommendations.

• Present research findings to stakeholders, including the public, industry representatives, and government agencies.

• Develop mitigation strategies that reduce or eliminate the risk of environmental hazards.

• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to environmental contamination or toxicology.

• Consult with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Tools and technologies

• Environmental Sample Processor (ESP). An automated platform used to collect and analyze environmental samples such as air, water, and soil. (eg: ESP can be used to detect the presence of pollutants in a water sample).

• Environmental Health Risk Assessment Software (EHRA). Software used to assess the potential health risks of exposure to environmental contaminants. (eg: EHRA can be used to estimate the risk of cancer associated with a particular pollutant).

• Geographic Information System (GIS). Software used to store, analyze, and visualize geographic data. (eg: GIS can be used to map pollution sources and understand their impact on the environment).

• Air Quality Monitoring Devices. Devices used to measure air quality parameters such as particulate matter, ozone, and carbon dioxide. (eg: An air quality monitoring device can be used to measure levels of pollutants in the air).

• Water Quality Monitoring Devices. Devices used to measure water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature. (eg: A water quality monitoring device can be used to determine the presence of pollutants in a water sample).

Education and training/entrance requirements

Obtain a bachelor's degree in one of the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or any other related field.
  
Take additional coursework in areas such as toxicology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental health.
  
Pursue a master's or doctorate degree in toxicology or a related field.
  
Take courses and earn certifications in areas such as hazardous materials management, industrial hygiene, and risk assessment.
   
Obtain relevant work experience in a laboratory or consulting firm.

Maintain certification by taking continuing education courses and staying up-to-date on new developments in the field of toxicology and environmental science.

 

 

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Material sourced from
Bionity [Toxinologist; ]
Careers Online
Explore Health Careers [ Forensic Toxicologist;]
Indeed [Forensic Toxicologist; ]
Best Accredited Colleges [Toxinologist; ]
Liveabout [Forensic Toxicologist; ]
Climb the Ladder [Forensic Toxicologist; ]
Istmed UK [Toxinologist; ]
Go Media Jobs [Environmental Toxicologist; ]
Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH), South Australia [Toxinology Department; ]
Your Career [Other Life Scientist; ]

 

 

 

 

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