Related Careers Physician, pharmacologist, toxicologist, and engineer. Differences In Training Occupational health and safety professionals must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or in one of the physical or biological sciences. Employers usually prefer a bachelor's or master's degree specifically related to occupational safety and health, such as safety engineering or management, industrial hygiene, fire-protection engineering, public health, or health physics. Toxicologists use principles of biology and chemistry to discover adverse effects of chemicals on living systems and determine the likelihood of such effects occurring. The toxicologist investigates relationships between chemicals and disease and the risks associated with various chemicals, including risks to human health and to the environment.
Toxicologists working in universities conduct research and teach.
Those employed in industry work to ensure safe manufacture, handling, use, and disposal of chemicals by conducting applied research to determine potential product hazards. Toxicologists in government also work to ensure safety of chemicals, and participate in regulating the use of chemicals and consumer products in the areas of food, drugs, the environment, and disease. Projected Need Faster than average growth in the employment of toxicologists is expected nationwide. Increased use of chemicals in everyday life will increase the need for skilled scientists who can determine and limit the health risks of chemical usage. Salaries Salaries vary according to level of education and length of experience.