Poison

Definition and Types of Poison

• A poison is any chemical substance that is harmful or lethal to living organisms.
• Poisoning can be accidental or deliberate, depending on the circumstances and the presence of living things.
• In biology, a poison causes death, injury, or harm to organisms or their parts.
• In medicine, poisons are toxins that are delivered passively, not actively.
• Poisons can be introduced into the environment and cause unwanted effects elsewhere.
• Poisons are substances that cause harm when swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
• Toxins and venoms are types of poisons produced by organisms in nature.
• Venoms are actively delivered through bites or stings, while poisons are passively delivered.
• Toxins and venoms can cause death, injury, or harm to organs, tissues, cells, and DNA.
• The delivery method of the toxin distinguishes venom from poison.

Uses and Impact of Poison

• Many industries, agriculture, and other sectors use poisonous substances for various purposes.
• Poisonous substances are used in feedstocks, solvents, cleaners, coatings, and more.
• Some poisons have economic value for agricultural purposes like weed and pest control.
• Hazardous substances regulations govern the production, procurement, and use of poisonous compounds.
• Pesticides are examples of substances designed to be toxic to pests like insects and rodents.
• Poisons can enter the food chain and become concentrated in predatory organisms.
• Some poisons can enter the body through the skin, lungs, or faulty medical implants.
• Chemical contamination is often irreversible, requiring specific processes for removal.
• Bioaccumulation of agricultural insecticides affects species that consume insects.
• Selective toxicity, controlled application, and controlled biodegradation are challenges in pesticide development.
• Pollution refers to the widespread dispersion of poisons in the environment.
• Pollution can be of human origin or caused by unwanted biological processes.
• Radiological poisons are associated with ionizing radiation and have distinct toxicity.
• Radon is a natural radiological poison that can accumulate in enclosed structures.
• Ecology and environmental resource management study the life cycle and effects of toxic compounds.

Poisoning and Management

• Poisoning can be acute or chronic, caused by natural or synthetic substances.
• Corrosives, like lye, are classified separately as they destroy tissue but do not absorb into the body.
• Acute poisoning occurs from a single exposure or short period of time, with symptoms developing soon after.
• Chronic poisoning occurs from repeated or continuous exposure to a poison, with symptoms appearing gradually.
• Bioaccumulation or biomagnification can lead to chronic poisoning with substances like mercury, gadolinium, and lead.
• Initial management for all poisonings includes ensuring cardiopulmonary function and treating symptoms.
• Injected poisons can be treated by applying pressure bandages and immersing the affected body part in hot water.
• Supportive care is the mainstay of management, focusing on treating symptoms rather than the poison.
• Gastric decontamination techniques may be used to decrease absorption of ingested poisons.
• Activated charcoal is the treatment of choice to prevent poison absorption, but it is ineffective against certain substances.

Treatment Methods for Poisoning

• Cathartics (sorbitol) are no longer recommended as they do not improve patient outcome.
• Emesis (induced by ipecac) is ineffective at removing poisons and is no longer recommended.
• Gastric lavage, commonly known as a stomach pump, has been used as a treatment for poisoned patients but recent reviews suggest no benefit.
• Nasogastric aspiration is used for liquid ingestions where activated charcoal is ineffective.
• Whole bowel irrigation is used to cleanse the bowel and remove ingested drug packets or sustained-release drugs.
• Diuresis, hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, hyperbaric medicine, peritoneal dialysis, exchange transfusion, and chelation can enhance the elimination of poison.

Historical References and Figurative Use of Poison

• Throughout history, poison has been used for murder, pest-control, suicide, and execution.
• Methods of administration include ingestion, inhalation, injection, and even as an enema.
• Poison has been used in warfare and as a method of royal assassination.
• Arsenic, once nicknamed 'inheritance powder,' is an example of a naturally occurring environmental poison.
• Personal food tasters were employed in Medieval Europe to prevent royal assassination.
• The term 'poison' is used figuratively, such as referring to alcoholic drinks.
• Figurative use of the term dates back to the late 15th century.
• Referring to persons as 'poison' became common in 1910.
• The phrase 'poison-pen letter' became well-known in 1913.
• The term is used figuratively in various contexts, including slang and criminal cases.

Poison Data Sources