Environmental and Occupational Toxicology
Start with the big picture
Exposure route helps shape risk: inhaled gases, vapors, and particles can be absorbed through the alveoli, while skin contact and ingestion can also produce local or systemic effects. OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV, and NIOSH REL are airborne exposure-limit frameworks; Biological Exposure Indices provide a way to monitor internal dose. The lesson then turns to particulate matter and selected toxicants, including carbon monoxide, cyanide, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and dusts. For each, the source snapshot highlights relevant settings, mechanisms or target organs, and prevention or management considerations. Together, these topics provide a framework for recognizing environmental and occupational hazards and understanding why exposure assessment matters.
What you'll learn
- Describe inhalation, dermal, and ingestion routes of environmental and workplace exposure.
- Distinguish airborne exposure limits from biological monitoring of internal dose.
- Summarize health effects associated with particulate matter and selected toxicants.
- Identify exposure settings and management considerations for major workplace toxicants.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
