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The term “active ingredient” is mostly used in drugs to name the substance which is pharmaceutically active.
The term “active substance” is also used in biocidal products to name the component which actually kills, or otherwise controls pests or bacteria.
It is not necessarily the largest or most hazardous component of the product. Some products may contain more than one active ingredient or substance. Non-active ingredients are often called inert ingredients. (Source: GreenFacts)
The suprarenal or adrenal glands, each perched over one of the kidneys, are
double glands. The core, or medulla, manufactures adrenalin, noradrenalin and a
small amount of dopamine. The outer layer of the gland is called the cortex. The
adrenal cortex produces three groups of corticosteroids; mineralocorticoids
(aldosterone) - control electrolyte and water balance, glucocorticoids
(cortisol)- influence carbohydrate
metabolism and sex steroid
hormones (androgens, DHEA).
(Source:
EMCOM
Endocrine disruptors
Glossary
A change in body function or cell structure that might lead to disease or
health problems.
(Source:
ATSDR
Glossary of Terms
An amino acid molecule has the general formula NH2CHRCOOH, where "R" is any one of a number of side groups. Amino acids are building blocks (small molecules that link together to form long chains) of proteins.
There are 20 amino acids found in proteins, called primary amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are those made by the human body, while essential amino acids are only obtained from protein in the foods that we eat. (Source: GreenFacts)
The study of the chemical processes and compounds occurring in living
organisms.
(Source:
American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
Glossary
A material made up of two or more
elements combined in a fixed ratio.
(Source:
CoRIS
glossary
A substance that is either present in an environment where it does not belong or is present at levels that might cause harmful effects to humans or the environment. (Source: GreenFacts)
Effects in the developing offspring due to exposure before conception (either
parent), prenatally, or postnatally to the time of sexual maturation.
Developmental effects may be expressed at any time in the life span of the
organism. Developmental effects are a subset of reproductive effects.
(Source:
CSIRO
CSIRO biological effects and safety of EMR
Glossary
A natural or man-made chemical that can interfere with endocrine glands and their hormones or where the hormones act - the target tissues. (Source: GreenFacts)
A network of glands distributed throughout the body forms the endocrine
system. These glands produce hormones that
are released into the circulation and distributed to distant target sites via
the blood. Hormones produced by these glands act as chemical messengers to
control body functions such as growth, metabolism, sexual development, and egg
and sperm production.
(Source:
EMCOM
Glossary
"Following a series of food scares in the 1990s (eg BSE, dioxins…) which undermined consumer confidence in the safety of the food chain, the European Union concluded that it needed to establish a new scientific body charged with providing independent and objective advice on food safety issues associated with the food chain. Its primary objective as set out in the White Paper on Food Safety would be to: “…contribute to a high level of consumer health protection in the area of food safety, through which consumer confidence can be restored and maintained.” The result was the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Set up provisionally in Brussels in 2002, EFSA provides independent scientific advice on all matters linked to food and feed safety - including animal health and welfare and plant protection - and provides scientific advice on nutrition in relation to Community legislation. The Authority communicates to the public in an open and transparent way on all matters within its remit. EFSA’s risk assessments provide risk managers (consisting of EU institutions with political accountability, i.e. European Commission, European Parliament and Council) with a sound scientific basis for defining policy driven legislative or regulatory measures required to ensure a high level of consumer protection with regards to food safety."
(Source: EFSA website
Chemical messengers that help our body do different tasks. Hormones are
produced by the endocrine glands and then
sent all over the body to stimulate certain activities. For example, insulin is
a well-known hormone that helps our body digest food. Hormones regulate our
growth, digestion, reproduction and sexual function.
(Source:
EMCOM
Endocrine disruptors
glossary
Iodine is a trace element that is necessary for the body to produce the thyroid hormone.
It is a bluish-black, lustrous nonmetallic solid element that mainly occurs in nature under its stable form, iodine-127. Stable iodine is naturally present for instance in seaweeds, sponges, and shell fish. It is also artificially added to salt.
The conversion or breakdown of a substance from one form to another by an
enzyme.
(Source: GreenFacts, based on ATSDR
Glossary of
Terms
A molecule is the smallest part of any chemical compound composed of two or
more atoms and which has the qualities of that substance and can exist alone in
a free state. As an example, a molecule of water (H2O) consists of
two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.
(Source: GreenFacts, based on Helios
Glossary
The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities.
It is made up of:
A toxic chemical product that kills
harmful organisms (e.g., insecticides,
fungicide, weedicides, rodenticides, acaricides).
(Source:
FAO
Glossary of biotechnology & genetic
engineering
Study of the biological, chemical and physical activities and processes that underlie the functioning of living organisms (cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems) and their parts. (Source: GreenFacts)
A group or number of people living within a specified area or sharing similar
characteristics (such as occupation or age).
(Source:
ATSDR
Glossary of
Terms
Results of conception and ensuing pregnancy, such as sex ratio, birth weight, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformations, lower birth weight, preterm delivery or stillbirth. (Source: GreenFacts)
A primary pollutant is an air pollutant emitted directly from a source.
A secondary pollutant is not directly emitted as such, but forms when other pollutants (primary pollutants) react in the atmosphere.
Examples of a secondary pollutant include ozone, which is formed when hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) combine in the presence of sunlight; NO2, which is formed as NO combines with oxygen in the air; and acid rain, which is formed when sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides react with water. (Source: GreenFacts)
A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order, formed according to genetic information.
A molecule on the surface of a cell that serves as a recognition or binding
site for antigens, antibodies or other cellular or immuniologic components.
(Source:
NIAID HIV vaccine Glossary
A scientifically based process consisting of four steps:
The process, distinct from risk
assessment, of weighing policy alternatives in
consultation with interested parties, considering risk assessment and other
legitimate factors, and, if need be, selecting appropriate prevention and
control measure.
(Source:
Official Journal of the European Communities 2002 L 31
The level of magnitude of a system process at which sudden or rapid change
occurs.
(Source:
PhysicalGeography.net
Glossary of
terms
The lowest dose of a chemical at which a specified measurable effect is observed and below which it is not observed.
(Source: National Safety Council
Environmental Glossary
The thyroid gland consists of two bodies like small walnuts; they are
connected by an isthmus beside the larynx (voice box). The thyroid gland
produces thyroid hormones T3 and T4 which
regulate the metabolism of all cells in the
body. Disorders of the thyroid gland are characterized by the inability to
produce or release sufficient thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) or the
overactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
(Source:
EMCOM
Endocrine Disruptors
Glossary
The capacity or property of a substance to cause adverse effects. (Source: GreenFacts)
The study of the harmful effects of substances on humans or animals.
(Source:
ATSDR
Glossary of Terms
Vitamins are a group of organic micronutrients that are required by the body for healthy growth, development and immune system functioning.
Certain vitamins are produced by the body but most vitamins are obtained from food or from manufactured dietary supplements. (Source: GreenFacts)
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