Toxin vs Toxicant

Some scientific degrees are greatly attributed to needing specialized courses or college degrees that are very important in the survival of mankind as well as the safety of every organism in this planet. Though some careers can contribute to the beauty of the planet, some would require intense studies and training just to be sure that you know your subject well.

Toxicologists are professionals dealing with every harmful chemical in this planet. They study these chemicals and try to know the effects on mankind and possible effects on our surroundings. At the same time, they try to distinguish whether a foreign material is a toxin or a toxicant.

So what is the difference between a toxin and a toxicant? Let us find out.

According to toxicologists themselves, the word “toxin” should be used if the foreign material came from a biological source. This means if it is only a poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms.

“Toxicant,” on the other hand, should only be used if the foreign material came from man-made sources, thus it is not natural. This means the poisonous substance is man-made and is not produced biologically.

Examples of toxins are the venom which comes from snakes as well as viruses which can harm humans because these viruses can be poisonous to humans. Examples of toxicants are man-made chemicals such as insecticides, bisphenol, and millions of other industrial chemicals.

The next time we use the words “toxins” and “toxicants,” we will be able to know and apply their correct usage which are not difficult to understand.

Summary:

1.“Toxin” is used when poisons are produced biologically or from living organisms while “toxicant” is used when poisons are produced by man.
2.Examples of toxins are the venom which comes from snakes as well as viruses which can harm humans because these viruses can be poisonous to humans while examples of toxicants are man-made chemicals such as insecticides, bisphenol, and millions of other industrial chemicals.

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