Warning Signs of Toxicity

Toxicity is the degree by which a substance can cause harm to living organisms. Exposure to toxic substances in humans can be life-threatening, thus it is important to identify the warning signs of toxicity.

Significance

• Toxic substances can overload different body organs

  Toxins can stress the vital organs in the body. It may overload the liver, lungs, lymphatic system, colon, skin and kidneys in an attempt to eliminate the toxic substances as waste products.

Types

• Toxicity can affect mood and may lead to depression

  Warning signs of toxicity include non-specific symptoms and more specific ones. Poorly defined symptoms include depression, headache, allergies, insomnia, fatigue and muscle stiffness. Specific illnesses include more defined symptoms, such as sinusitis, tumors, migraine, arthritis, influenza and psoriasis.

Features

• The degree of toxicity symptoms may be categorized as acute, sub-chronic and chronic. Acute toxicity is due to short-term exposure to the toxic substance; sub-chronic toxicity is due to exposure of more than a year. Chronic toxicity is due to repeated and prolonged exposure to toxins.

Identification

• Exposure to petrochemicals can be harmful

  Exogenous toxins are common in our environment that could intoxicate us. Toxins may emanate from tap water, pesticides, food preservatives, heavy metals, industrial exposures, bacteria, solvents, petrochemicals, parasites and bacteria.

Prevention/Solution

• Ignoring the common warnings of toxicity will eventually lead to internal organ damage that can be fatal. Immediately consult a physician to identify toxin exposure through a toxicity test, so that you may receive prompt medication and treatment.