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primary / secondary toxicity

English translation: direct vs indirect

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11:43 Mar 11, 2010

English to English translations [PRO]
Science - Medical: Pharmaceuticals / toxicology

English term or phrase: primary / secondary toxicity

Can anyone give me a definition of primary and secondary toxicity?

The latter appears in a toxicity study report, which says that gastrointestinal toxicity was observed but it was not thought that this would lead to secondary toxicity.
I can find these terms all over the internet but no definitions.

Steven F Smith KudoZ activity Questions: 139 (1 open) (6 closed without grading) Answers: 238 United Kingdom
Local time: 03:03

English translation:direct vs indirect

Explanation:
primary toxicity is the toxicity caused by the substance in question.

secondary toxicity would be toxicity resulting other substances produced as a result of the presence of the original toxin in the body.

an example is asbestos toxicity:

primary toxicity would be the inflamation resulting from the presence of the fibers themselves.

secondary toxicity would be effect of Reactive Oxygen Species, the production of which is triggered by the presence of the fibers, on lung tissues.