Environmental toxicology studies how pollutants affect humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Toxicologists collect samples, study their composition, and determine contamination levels. Findings are used to set pollution control standards and develop environmentally friendly practices. A bachelor’s degree is required, while a PhD is necessary for independent research.
Environmental toxicology is the scientific study of the effects of chemicals on the environment. Specifically, environmental toxicologists study how natural and man-made pollutants affect the health of humans, wildlife and entire ecosystems. Professionals collect living and non-living samples from a particular area, study their physical and chemical composition, and determine the degree of contamination. Environmental toxicology research not only adds to the collective knowledge of pollutants, but the studies can also help land developers and protection agencies make better environmental policy decisions.
The general discipline of toxicology has historically focused narrowly on human health. Toxicologists perform blood tests, biopsies, and autopsies to identify different chemicals in the body and evaluate their effects on body tissue. Environmental toxicology involves much of the same work, but the studies are typically broader in scope. Environmental toxicologists test soil, water and air samples to look for the source of pollution and use their findings to better understand the health impacts of native species.
Many environmental toxicologists specialize in working with a particular type of ecosystem, species, or pollutant. For example, a researcher might focus on the effects of an oil spill on marine life. He or she might begin a research project by identifying the various carcinogens in a sample of oil and predicting the consequences the chemicals may have on organisms. The researcher would then have to measure oil saturation at many different ocean sites, collect biological samples from each, and compare predictions with experimental results. The findings are usually organized into an official report that can be reviewed by other toxicologists.
There are many important practical applications of environmental toxicology. Toxicologists’ findings are commonly used by government agencies to set new pollution control standards. Non-profit conservation groups often consult with environmental toxicology experts to analyze the severity of damage to an ecosystem and develop the smartest ways to clean it up. Land development companies can also work with toxicologists to make sure that remediation and construction efforts are as environmentally friendly as possible.
To begin a career in environmental toxicology, a person usually must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree. A four-year degree in environmental science, biology or chemistry may be sufficient to become a field researcher. An individual who wants to design and conduct independent studies typically needs a PhD in environmental toxicology and several years of postdoctoral training. Experienced scientists enjoy fulfilling and exciting careers and stimulate positive changes in the public’s perspective on environmental protection.
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