Toxicological Chemistry
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the close connection between chemical structures and their potential toxicity. Special attention will be given to the main narcotic substances, their potential for abuse, and their inclusion in the Tables required by law. The main methods for detecting drugs of abuse in non-biological and biological materials will be considered, including practical laboratory exercises. A module on environmental and occupational toxicology will be included, presenting substances of toxicological interest in living and working environments and the risk assessment of exposure to chemical agents. Environmental and biological monitoring of chemical agents will be covered, with some examples and analytical methodologies for their determination.
Expected learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students should understand the toxicity and abuse potential of the most common narcotic substances and the relevant legislation. They should also be familiar with the main hazardous chemical agents present in living and working environments. They should also be familiar with the main sampling and sample preparation techniques, and the most common analytical techniques applied in chemical-toxicological analysis and environmental and occupational monitoring.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Chemical Toxicology Program: History of toxicological chemistry. History of poisons and poisonings. Definition and classification of poisons. Poisoning diagnosis. Methodology of chemical-toxicological investigation. General and targeted research. Sample collection and preservation. Immunological methods for screening analyses. Aliphatic hydrocarbons, halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Smelling. Volatile anesthetics. Volatile organic poisons (CO, HCN) and their analytical significance. Ethyl alcohol. Alcohol and driving. Methyl alcohol. Drugs of abuse. Legislative aspects of drug dealing, protection, and consumption. Opium, opioids, opiates. Cocaine. Cannabis. Psychostimulants and psychotomimetics. Anorectics. LSD. GHB. Psychoactive plants. Toxic mushrooms. Barbiturates. Benzodiazepines. Doping.
Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Chemistry Program: History of Environmental and Industrial Toxicology, assessment of exposure to substances of toxicological interest in living and working environments, REACH and CLP regulations, risk assessment for exposure to chemical agents, environmental monitoring and limit values, biological monitoring and exposure indicators, exposure to solvents (benzene, toluene, etc.), pesticides, POPs (PAHs, phthalates, PFAs), metals, and analytical methods for measuring exposure.
Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Chemistry Program: History of Environmental and Industrial Toxicology, assessment of exposure to substances of toxicological interest in living and working environments, REACH and CLP regulations, risk assessment for exposure to chemical agents, environmental monitoring and limit values, biological monitoring and exposure indicators, exposure to solvents (benzene, toluene, etc.), pesticides, POPs (PAHs, phthalates, PFAs), metals, and analytical methods for measuring exposure.
Prerequisites for admission
The student must have a good knowledge of the Italian Language.
Teaching methods
The course will consist of front lessons.
Teaching Resources
Recommended texts: Trattato di Tossicologia Forense, E. Bertol, F. Lodi, F. Mari, E. Marozzi, CEDAM, Padova. Ed.2000 Lezioni di Tossicologia Forense, R. Froldi, G. Giappichelli Editore, Quinta Edizione, Torino.
Reference texts: Tossicologia - I fondamenti dell'azione delle sostanze tossiche-, Casarett and Douglas, V Edizione, EMSI, Roma. - 2° Ed. Italiana; Principles of Forensic Toxicology, Levine, Second Edition, AACC Press.
Reference texts: Tossicologia - I fondamenti dell'azione delle sostanze tossiche-, Casarett and Douglas, V Edizione, EMSI, Roma. - 2° Ed. Italiana; Principles of Forensic Toxicology, Levine, Second Edition, AACC Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Exam format: single exam for both modules.
Learning assessment will be conducted through a written test with open-ended questions.
Learning assessment will be conducted through a written test with open-ended questions.
CHIM/08 - PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 3
MED/44 - OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE - University credits: 3
MED/44 - OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Fustinoni Silvia, Roda Gabriella
Professor(s)
Reception:
Clinica del Lavoro, Via S. Barnaba, 8