A practical result of this research is the development of tests that could identify those most at risk of contracting cancer. The program gave me an excellent background for my present job. In environmental toxicology, you'll get a broad scientific background in aquatic biology, biochemistry and comparative physiology. You will study the effects of both natural and synthetic chemicals and their movement, distribution and break-down in the environment. You'll study the structure and function of natural biological systems and learn how to use laboratory experiments to predict effects in the field.
Many toxicants enter the environment in industrial effluents or through insecticides and herbicides.
You will learn how to calculate the dose received by target and non-target organisms and how to determine safety factors, using the best available information to assess safe and efficient doses. Even common substances like salt and sugar are toxic if consumed in large enough quantities. Take herbicides as an example. The proper use of pest control agents can greatly increase agricultural yields, and also reduce the amount of the crop which is lost to pests in storage. Safety factors for the use of pest control agents are subject to continual revision as scientists come up with new information.