title: Biologic response to environmental toxins.
abstract: Biological response to environmental toxins results from the sum of natural, environmental, avocational, inapparent, and occupational exposures. These external exposures result in acceptable or unacceptable levels of absorption or internal exposure based on anticipated biological effects. There is no level of exposure which is in and of itself synonymous with intoxication. Biological effects may be classified as physiologic or pathologic, adaptive or nonadaptive, respectively. In each instance, the response may be acceptable or unacceptable. Intoxication requires the demonstration of a significant impairment of health. One may have an unacceptable pathologic response and still not have intoxication. Professional judgment is required.
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology