Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on humans, animals, plants and the environment. They look at ways in which the harmful effects of chemicals can be avoided, reduced, treated or reversed and may identify the causes of fatal damage.
The work of toxicologists covers many different areas:
- Industrial toxicologists work in the development of a range of products including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, drink and household goods. They test products during and after their manufacture to make sure they are effective and safe to use.
- Pharmaceutical toxicologists carry out tests on new drugs before they are allowed to be used on patients. After carrying out a wide range of experiments, they are able to judge the benefits of the drugs against any risks there may be to patients who take them.
- University toxicologists combine lecturing with carrying out their own research in the laboratory. They often act as advisers on the safety of chemicals to industry and the government.
- Clinical toxicologists have specialist knowledge of the effects of drugs and chemicals on human beings and work in hospitals in the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from different types of poisoning.
- Forensic toxicologists deal with the legal aspects of poisons and drugs, giving evidence and advice within the justice system, as well as carrying out laboratory investigations in cases where poisons or drugs are suspected to be contributory causes of death.
- Ecotoxicologists study the effects of chemicals on the environment, for example tracing the effect of particular chemicals on food chains.
- Regulatory toxicologists investigate information drawn up by companies on products and advise on whether these products should be licensed and sold.
- Occupational toxicologists measure the effects of chemicals on human health and advise on ways in which they can be handled safely. Their professional knowledge is called for when chemicals are accidentally released into the environment.
Hours and environment
Toxicologists usually work from 9.00am to 5.00pm, five days a week. Those carrying out experimental work may need to be more flexible. Toxicologists may be on call during some weekends and evenings.
The majority of toxicology work is carried out in laboratories. Toxicologists may occasionally need to travel to visit the sites of incidents. Protective clothing is worn when working in laboratories and when visiting scenes of accidents.
Some toxicologists are required to work with animals.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- The average starting salary may be around €30,000 a year.
- An experienced toxicologist may earn up to €65,000 a year.
- The highest salaries may be around €100,000 a year. In the clinical field the maximum may be around €65,000 a year.
Skills and personal qualities
A toxicologist should:
- have a high level of technical and scientific knowledge
- be able to work accurately, paying close attention to the smallest details
- be good at applying scientific knowledge to practical work
- be able to explain complicated technical information to non-technical people
- have good written skills
- understand the need for confidentiality in their work, especially in forensic toxicology
- be able to work well as part of a team
- have good IT skills
- be able to keep up to date with advances in their field.
Interests
It helps to have a strong interest in:
- science and the environment
- public health and safety
- law (for forensic toxicologists).
Entry Routes:
Graduates with degrees in a relevant subject, such as chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine or environmental science can take a full- or part-time course leading to a Masters degree specialising in toxicology.
Useful Links:
Irish Society of Toxicology
British Toxicology Society