Toxicologist

Introduction

Toxicologists study and analyse the harmful effects some chemicals may have on plants, animals, humans and the environment. They test and develop ways to avoid or reduce these effects.

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Work Activities

Toxicologists study the harm chemicals may cause to people, animals and plants. They find ways to avoid or reduce chemical damage to the environment. Toxicology covers two main areas. One deals with the effects that toxic materials have on humans, and the other with their impact on the environment.

Toxicologists experiment on tissue and cell cultures, animals and human volunteers, to find out if a chemical product is harmful. In pharmaceutical companies, toxicologists help develop new drugs to fight disease. They find out how strong the drug is, and if there are unwanted or dangerous side effects. In the food industry, they may test an additive to make sure it is safe.

Occupational and industrial toxicologists make sure working conditions are safe and give advice to people who handle chemicals. Industrial toxicologists work to make sure that products meet national and EU safety regulations.

Other toxicologists work in hospitals, treating patients who have drug poisoning. They find out the type and amount of drug taken in an overdose.

Toxicologists might look at air pollution caused by the burning of waste, or research the problems some pesticides cause for wildlife.

One area of investigation is the effect chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have on the Earth's stratospheric ozone layer, which normally acts as a block against potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation.

Some toxicologists specialise in ecology. They may trace the movement of pollutants through food chains, or investigate resistance to pesticides in certain insects. They may develop models to predict the long term effects of chemicals on the ecosystem.

Forensic toxicologists investigate and write reports for court cases and may give evidence as expert witnesses in court.

Toxicologists may specialise for example in the effects on chemicals on the immune system or on the nervous system.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need to be accurate, methodical, analytical and able to solve problems.

You need IT skills and the ability to use and interpret statistics and mathematical models. You need to be able to summarise large amounts of data. You must keep up-to-date with advances in technology. You must be able to write reports of your findings and be able to work with other scientists. Knowledge of environmental issues may be an advantage.

You must be aware of the ethical debate on using animals in scientific research, and be prepared for criticism and protest from members of the public and animal rights groups.

Because toxicologists often handle poisonous materials, you will need to know and follow safety procedures.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for toxicologists vary.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Toxicologists earn in the range of £20,000 - £25,000 a year, rising to £30,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £41,000 a year.

Toxicologists usually work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required, depending on the industry and work processes they are involved in.

Many large companies have their own toxicology departments. Employers include chemical, pharmaceutical and water companies.

Toxicologists also work in hospital laboratories, research bases and in the Civil Service, for example, the Health and Safety Executive, Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and the Forensic Science Service.

There are also toxicologists who teach and carry out research in universities.

Opportunities are growing because the range of chemical products keeps expanding.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have developed laboratory skills during industrial work placements.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science.

You don't usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

Sponsorship is sometimes available from larger chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and also government departments/agencies and utility companies.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Medical Research Council.

• 11% of people in occupations such as toxicology work part-time.
• 32% have flexible hours.

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