What does the term "toxicology" refer to?

Toxicology refers to the study of chemical effects on health, focusing on how substances can cause harmful effects in living organisms. This field encompasses understanding the adverse effects of chemicals, including their interactions, reactions, and the potential risks associated with exposure. Toxicologists investigate various aspects such as dosage, exposure routes, and the mechanisms by which toxic substances affect biological systems.

The other options address different areas: the process of cleaning hazardous substances relates to environmental remediation; the evaluation of industrial processes pertains to safety and operational efficiencies in manufacturing; and the assessment of emergency response protocols focuses on procedures and practices for responding to hazardous situations. However, these areas do not encompass the core definition of toxicology, which is specifically the study of the harmful effects of chemicals on health.