According to the Society of Toxicology, toxicologists are responsible to:
- Develop new and better ways to determine the potential harmful effects of chemical and physical agents and the amount (dosage) that will cause such effects. An essential part of this is to develop an understanding of the basic molecular, biochemical, and cellular processes responsible for diseases caused by exposure to chemical or physical substances.
- Design and carry out carefully controlled studies of specific chemicals of social and economic importance to determine the conditions under which they can be used safely, i.e., have little or no impact on human health or the environment.
- Assess the probability, or likelihood, that particular chemicals, processes or situations present a significant risk to human health and/or the environment, and assist in the establishment of rules and regulations aimed at protecting and preserving human health and the environment.
Educational Requirements
The minimal degree requirement for a career in toxicology is a bachelor of science (BS) degree in biology, chemistry, or pharmacology. With a bachelor's degree, career options in toxicology are limited, and most of these degree holders work as laboratory technicians. Advanced training is essential for a career in toxicology, which is evidenced by the fact that there are no undergraduate degree programs in toxicology. There are however, 69 graduate programs leading to a master's or doctorate degree. Toxicologists holding master's degrees work as assistant laboratory researchers or project managers, while doctorate holders conduct independent research in colleges and universities, become academic administrators, or find employment as senior staff specialists in government or private industry.
Coursework for undergraduate students majoring in toxicology preparatory degree programs should include mathematics (including mathematical modeling), chemistry, biology, biochemistry, anatomy, pathology, statistics, computer courses, and research methods. Verbal and written communication skills are essential, so courses such as English and communication should be approached seriously. Graduate students should expect a rigorous test of their academic abilities. While course work is dependent on area of study, graduate students are generally required to take such courses as molecular biology, environmental toxicology, biostatistics, biochemistry, and epidemiology. Students who have completed the doctorate degree can enter the field by becoming a postdoctoral fellow in a toxicology laboratory for two to three years. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences offers numerous grants to postdoctoral fellows.
Related Professions
- Chemist
- Geneticist
- Biologist
- Physiologist
- Physician
- Industrial Hygienist
- Health Engineer
- Safety Engineer
- Risk Manager/Assessor
- Sanitary Engineer
Two professional organizations certify toxicologists. The American Board of Toxicologists (ABT) certifies a toxicologist only after passing a two-day examination, and possessing the proper level of educational and work experience. The Academy of Toxicological Sciences (ATS) certifies toxicologists based on their educational and work experience. Contact the ABT or the ATS, listed at the end of this chapter, for further information on testing procedures and personal requirements.
Setting
Many toxicologists work in basic research or applied research laboratories in private industry, academia, or government. These facilities are typically well funded and contain modem research equipment. Most laboratories are well- lit, clean, and comfortable work environments. While toxicologists handle many dangerous chemicals and other agents, they have very low risk of injury because they carefully follow explicit and strict safety procedures. Toxicologists are sometimes required to give expert testimony in court or before legislative bodies on health, safety, and environment issues. Other toxicologists work primarily in an office setting or in the classroom.
Employment Statistics And Major Employers
The employment outlook for toxicologists is strong, particularly as the use of chemicals and concerns for health and environmental safety rise. According to the Society of Toxicology, toxicologists are heavily concentrated in the mid-Atlantic states, particularly near Washington, D.C. Many toxicologists are also found in the north central and western states.
Thirty-seven percent of toxicologists are employed in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries where they develop products, evaluate product safety, and monitor regulatory compliance. Graduates with bachelor's, master's, and doctorates are all well represented in private industry. Academic institutions employ 33 percent of all toxicologists. Most are employed by large universities with schools of medicine or public health. Some toxicologists teach biology, chemistry, and engineering in smaller colleges. Most toxicologists working in academia possess a doctorate degree. The federal and state governments employ 15 percent of toxicologists, primarily in the following regulatory agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Center for Toxicology, and at the many National Institutes of Health laboratories. Toxicologists with all levels of education work in government. Eight percent of toxicologists are employed by consulting firms, which primarily analyze data and make recommendations to government agencies. Many entry-level toxicologists with bachelor's and master's degrees are finding employment with these firms. Finally, 7 percent of toxicologists are employed by public and private research foundations. Toxicologists with all levels of education find employment with foundations.
