Citation

Nusair S, Tay G. Am. J. Sci. Res. 2010; (9): 56-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, EuroJournals Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Massive development in technology and industry has led to inevitable exposure to many harmful substances. Exposure can be via inhalation, ingestion, injection and skin absorption. This mini review summarizes the main applications of 30 commonly encountered harmful substances. These applications are medicine, industry, addiction, warfare, crime and sport. The mini review also emphasizes their specific potential medical use. Each substance was chosen as an example of a major harmful or toxic group. The common character of the chosen substances is that they have adverse effects on the environment including humans and animals. Nevertheless, many hazardous substances can be useful for many applications, especially for medicine. The presented information are based on related books and articles which were published from 1940 to 2010. This mini review presents another evidence for the importance of being aware of different applications of common substances. In addition, it gives the green light for researchers from different disciplines to investigate new useful applications. In conclusion, hazardous substances including natural and synthetic toxins are not always bad; they can be good especially for medicine.