A toxic substance is a compound or material that poses potential harm or danger to living organisms upon contact, ingestion, or inhalation. These substances typically have chemical properties that can cause detrimental effects on physiological processes or disrupt the balance within an organism's systems. They have the potential to impair health or cause illness, injury, or death when exposure exceeds safe or permissible limits.
Toxic substances can be found in various forms, such as liquids, gases, solids, or aerosols, and may be naturally occurring or synthetic. They can be found in household products, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pollutants, and even certain natural substances. Examples of toxic substances include pesticides, heavy metals like lead or mercury, carcinogens, pollutants like asbestos or benzene, and poisonous plants or mushrooms.
The adverse effects of toxic substances can vary widely depending on the specific compound, dosage, duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. They may lead to immediate symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or respiratory distress, or manifest long-term health issues such as organ damage, cancer, reproductive problems, or neurological disorders. It is crucial to handle, store, use and dispose of toxic substances properly to minimize the risks they present to both human and environmental health.
Regulation and control of toxic substances are often managed by governmental bodies or international organizations to ensure their safe use and minimize associated health hazards.
