A xenobiotic is any chemical substance that is foreign to the human body, such as an industrial solvent, pesticide, or metal.
A toxicology term for any chemical substance that is foreign to the body's normal biochemistry — such as industrial solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals. In occupational health, understanding how xenobiotics are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated helps explain why certain workplace chemicals are harmful and how exposure can be measured.
An occupational health program for workers handling a solvent measures one of its breakdown products in end-of-shift urine samples, using the body's metabolism of the xenobiotic to estimate each worker's actual exposure.
The main routes are inhalation of vapors, dusts, or fumes; absorption through the skin; ingestion from contaminated hands, food, or drinks; and, less commonly, injection through punctures or high-pressure equipment.
Yes, while metabolism usually helps the body eliminate foreign chemicals, some substances are converted into more toxic metabolites, which is part of why certain chemicals cause damage to organs like the liver.
Exposure can be assessed through air monitoring of the work environment and through biological monitoring, which measures the chemical or its metabolites in blood, urine, or exhaled breath.
Part of SafetyIQ's EHS glossary: plain-English definitions of workplace health and safety terms.
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