The term xenobiotic is used to define any compound that has been synthesized in laboratories and that are generally found in nature. These compounds are often very constant and tend to be stored within the lining of living things. One of the most important characteristics of xenobiotics is the time it takes to degrade in nature and its high level of pollutant.
At present, all the compounds, whether natural or synthetic, to which man is exposed are called xenobiotic and which can be dangerous to his health, since the body stores and metabolizes them. These compounds are frequently used in the food, drug, cosmetic, packaging and cigarette industries; elements with which man is in constant exposure.
One of the main reasons why these compounds are not biodegradable is because of the firmness with which it is chemically structured. It should be noted that these synthetic compounds present a different chemical structure from that of natural compounds, including those that present structures similar to natural ones, present modifications that make them stable.
Xenobiotics can act in two ways in the body:
Specifically: when measured by receptors or acting on a specific objective.
In a non- specific way: they are not measured by receptors, but by their physical-chemical characteristics.
The main types of xenobiotics are found in drugs. Most drugs perform actions that are specific, that is, the drug works on some system of the body.
There are some xenobiotics, such as drugs used in the veterinary area and in pesticides, can be found in the production of certain foods, in this case being contaminants that damage products such as milk, whose elimination by industrial action, in most cases is not favorable.
It is for this reason that many countries frequently establish norms to restrict the presence of these remains in food products, avoiding their commercialization, if the standard level is exceeded.
It is important to point out that the discipline in charge of studying everything related to xenobiotics is biomedicine.
