Toxicology is a scientific discipline which is interested in the study of substances liable to harm the organism (toxic substances or poison), but also in the management of poisoning. More specifically, toxicology studies:

• the chemical and physical properties of toxics;
• to their sources;
• the circumstances causing their contact with the living;
• the effects of the toxicant on the organism and the environment;
• detection of toxic substances;
• to how to fight substances (antidotes).

Remember that there are different modes of intoxication:

• by the oral route, it is even the most frequent route;
• by inhalation;
• by the cutaneous route;
• through the placenta.

And different types of poisoning:

• food;
• medicinal;
• by heavy metals;
• by gas;
• through drugs;
• by industrial or domestic products;
• or by animal venoms.

The toxicologist can work in a research laboratory, a toxicology center, a poison control center, large chemical groups, forensic laboratories or even a health expertise laboratory. Its role is multiple:

• he studies the composition of natural or industrial toxic substances;
• it analyzes their actions and their effects on organisms;
• it develops analytical methods to assess exposure to heavy metals, environmental pollutants, etc. ;
• it seeks means of control and prevention;
• he participates in the toxicological screening of drugs and illicit drugs.

In the industrial sector, he specializes in chemical risk and provides information on storage and handling methods for hazardous products. In the forensic sector, it detects the presence of drugs, poisons, drugs or alcohol in the body of a victim (or a suspect).

To do this, he has access to laboratory instruments to identify, detect and quantify toxic substances in the blood, urine, hair, nails or tissues.

The risks of poisoning are real, both for the body (some poisonings only cause digestive disorders or vomiting, while others can be fatal) and for the environment.

Training as a toxicologist in France

To work in the field of toxicology, there are different possible ways:

• a research master’s or a professional master’s degree in toxicology, which can take different names depending on the host university;
• a doctorate in toxicology;
• an engineering school in biology or chemistry.

Training as a toxicologist in Quebec

The student can also follow different courses. He can take training in biology or chemistry, medicine or pharmacy. And in addition, he must obtain:

• a post-graduate diploma specializing in toxicology and risk analysis (2), lasting 1 year, after a bachelor’s degree in biology or an equivalent field;
• or a doctorate, such as that in public health, toxicology and risk analysis option (offered by the University of Montreal) (3).

To obtain toxicology expertise or find a toxicologist:

• in Quebec, you can reach the Quebec toxicology center (4);
• in France, for example, you can consult the website of the association of poison control and toxicovigilance centers (5).