What does toxicity in substances indicate?

Toxicity in substances primarily indicates their ability to damage an organ system. Toxic substances can interact with biological systems in harmful ways, often leading to cellular injury, organ dysfunction, or system failure. This damaging effect can result from various mechanisms, including disruption of normal biochemical processes, interference with cellular structures, or even causing cellular death.

Understanding toxicity is crucial in fields like environmental science, pharmacology, and toxicology, where evaluating the potential harmful effects of substances on humans, animals, and ecosystems is key. In contrast, other options depict positive effects such as enhancing physiological processes, promoting growth, or improving resistance. These effects are generally not associated with toxicity, which is inherently detrimental to the integrity and function of living organisms.