Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is a nephrotoxin?

1. A chemical that targets the liver

2. A chemical that harms the kidneys

3. A chemical that attacks the muscles

4. A chemical that damages the heart

The correct answer is: A chemical that harms the kidneys

A nephrotoxin is defined as a chemical substance that specifically harms the kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Exposure to nephrotoxins can lead to conditions such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or even kidney failure, depending on the level and duration of exposure. Understanding nephrotoxins is essential in the field of safety and health, as it highlights the need for proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals that could potentially harm these vital organs. In contrast, the other options described different types of toxins, such as hepatotoxins affecting the liver, myotoxins targeting muscle tissues, and cardiotoxins impacting the heart, which do not relate specifically to nephrotoxin definitions.