Integrating the Principles of Toxicology Into a Chemistry Curriculum

Designing safer products, processes, and materials requires a commitment to engaging in a transdisciplinary, systems approach utilizing the principles of chemistry, toxicology, environmental sciences, and other allied disciplines. Chemistry and toxicology are inherently complementary fields of investigation connected by the basic principles, reactions, and consequences of the structure-toxicity relationship. Green chemistry incorporates this relationship as part of efforts to reduce and ideally eliminate hazard at the molecular level. Embracing the principles of toxicology is a requirement to identify safer alternatives to existing hazardous products and materials and is a critical component of designing safer chemicals. Educators must find ways to integrate toxicology into education at the K-12, university, college, and professional levels.We present an approach for professors and upper-level course instructors for incorporating toxicology concepts into existing chemistry topics. The suggestions for recommended reading should be consulted to identify the sources of cited health claims effects or statements of fact that the reader would like to verify.