Homonym: toxicity (Harmfulness)
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. It is often measured by how much of a substance is needed to cause adverse effects, such as illness or death. Toxic substances can be found in various forms, including chemicals, plants, and even certain types of food.
In environmental science, toxicity is important for assessing the safety of pollutants and chemicals in ecosystems. Understanding toxicity helps scientists and regulators determine safe exposure levels and develop guidelines to protect human health and the environment from harmful substances.