Hazardous waste / Chemical waste can be defined as a "solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.

The traditional definition of toxicology is "the science of poisons." A more descriptive definition of toxicology is "the study of the adverse effects of chemicals or physical agents on living organisms". These adverse effects may occur in many forms, ranging from immediate death to subtle changes not realized until months or years later. They may occur at various levels within the body, such as an organ, a type of cell, or a specific biochemical. Knowledge of how toxic agents damage the body has progressed along with medical knowledge. It is now known that various observable changes in anatomy or body functions actually result from previously unrecognized changes in specific biochemicals in the body. Toxicology provides a sound basis for formulating measures to protect the health of workers against toxicants in factories, farms, mines, and other occupational environments. Information on toxicology is valuable in the protection of public health against hazards associated with toxic substances in food, air and water. Toxicology has played and will continue to play a significant role in the health and welfare of the world. Environmental toxicology research includes hazardous chemical risk assessment, removal of organic and inorganic pollutants from water, characterization of industrial breakdown products, and chemical and biological degradation of toxic wastes etc.

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