OHST Practice Exam

Which professional focuses on the impact of chemicals on human health?

1. Industrial Hygienist

2. Health Physicist

3. Industrial Toxicologist

4. Environmental Scientist

The correct answer is: Industrial Toxicologist

The professional who focuses on the impact of chemicals on human health is the industrial toxicologist. Industrial toxicologists study how chemicals can affect human health, specifically in workplace settings, by examining the effects of exposure to hazardous substances. They assess the risk that these chemicals pose to human health and contribute to developing safety standards, regulatory guidelines, and preventive measures. By understanding the mechanisms of toxicity and exposure pathways, industrial toxicologists play a crucial role in protecting workers and communities from potential health risks associated with chemical exposure. While industrial hygienists focus on recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards (which includes chemicals), their scope also covers physical and biological issues beyond just chemical toxicity. Health physicists primarily deal with the effects of radiation on human health, analyzing and mitigating risks associated with radiological hazards. Environmental scientists assess broader ecological concerns, including the interaction of pollutants with ecosystems rather than exclusively focusing on their direct human health implications.