What is poison?

Poison is a substance that can cause disturbances to the body when a sufficient quantity is observed by an organism.

Forms of poison:

Poison can assume different forms. It can be liquid, solid or gas.

Poison mechanism:

Poisoning can lead to a wide range of side effects and health impairment. Symptoms range from simple headache, nausea, vomiting or itch to instant death. Poison can be ingested via the mouth, inhaled, injected through the skin or by exposing sensitive organs to it, such as the eye. The effect of a poison can be either temporary or permanent. There are two types of biological poisoning: Acute poisoning which is the exposure to a poison on one occasion or during a short period of time, and Chronic poisoning which is a long-term continuous exposure where symptoms do not appear immediately.

Examples on substances that can lead to poisoning:

• Household chemicals such as detergents, bleaching materials, disinfectant materials, benzene, kerosine, paints and dyes.
• Agricultural materials and fertilizers.
• Over-the-counter medications, herbal preparations and drugs.
• Cosmetics such as nail polish, nail polish remover, aftershaves, makeup, hair dyes and tints……..etc.
• Plants and fungi such as the different types of ornamental plants and mushrooms.
• Poison that is produced by the bites and stings of different animals such bees, spiders and scorpions, as well as various types of snakes.
• Food that contain harmful preservatives as well as contaminated and expired food.
• Hazardous materials such as radioactive substances and cancer drugs.
• Chemical, environmental substances and materials such as dioxin, suspended materials and others.
• Industrial chemicals such as benzene, heavy minerals and others.
• Biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction.
• Alcohol such as Ethanol, Methanol, Ethylene glycol and others.
• Gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.