Toxicity

Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. Toxicity can refer to the effect on a whole organism, such as an animal, bacterium, or plant, as well as the effect on a substructure of the organism, such as a cell (cytotoxicity) or an organ such as the liver (hepatotoxicity). By extension, the word may be metaphorically used to describe toxic effects on larger and more complex groups, such as the family unit or society at large.

There are a variety of methods in which high levels of toxicity could be injected into an organism. Water toxicity is possible from the contamination of water sources from different chemicals. Various animals are capable of using venom as a form of defense by forcing toxic compounds into their enemies or prey. Additionally, some mushrooms are capable of possessing amatoxins that are very harmful upon consumption.