TOXIC EQUIVALENT Meaning and
Definition
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Toxic equivalent refers to a quantitative measure used to compare the toxic effects of different substances that possess similar toxic characteristics. It is primarily employed in the field of toxicology to assess the risk and potential harm that various chemicals or compounds can pose to living organisms.
The term "toxic equivalent" is often associated with specific substances, such as certain environmental pollutants like dioxins or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are known to have adverse effects on human health. By assigning a toxic equivalence factor (TEF) to each chemical, toxicologists can calculate the concentration or exposure level of a substance and express it in terms of the equivalent toxicity of a reference compound.
This standardized unit of measurement allows scientists to evaluate the cumulative toxic effects of multiple chemicals present in a mixture. The toxic equivalent method is especially valuable when dealing with complex environmental samples, where different compounds may have a synergistic or additive effect on toxicity.
Toxic equivalents are often measured in terms of the reference compound's potency and expressed in units such as toxicity equivalent quantity (TEQ). By using toxic equivalents, researchers can compare the potential risks associated with different substances, identify the most hazardous compounds, and aid in the development of regulations or guidelines to minimize the adverse effects on human health and the environment.
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The amount of toxin or other poison per kilogram of weight necessary to kill an animal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TOXIC EQUIVALENT
- roxic equivalent
- foxic equivalent
- goxic equivalent
- yoxic equivalent
- 6oxic equivalent
- 5oxic equivalent
- tixic equivalent
- tkxic equivalent
- tlxic equivalent
- tpxic equivalent
- t0xic equivalent
- t9xic equivalent
- tozic equivalent
- tocic equivalent
- todic equivalent
- tosic equivalent
- toxuc equivalent
- toxjc equivalent
- toxkc equivalent
- toxoc equivalent
Etymology of TOXIC EQUIVALENT
The word "toxic" originates from the Greek word "toxikon", which referred to a poison used on arrows. It comes from the Greek word "toxon", meaning "bow" or "arrow". The term "toxic" eventually came to describe anything harmful or poisonous.
The word "equivalent" comes from the Latin word "aequivalens", which is derived from "aequare" (meaning "to make equal") and "valere" (meaning "to be strong"). It signifies something that is equal or comparable in value, worth, or significance.
When the two words are combined, "toxic equivalent" refers to a measurement or standard used to quantify the toxicity or harmfulness of a substance, assessing it in relation to the effects of a known toxic substance.
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