Poison: Definition & Meaning

Any chemical detrimental to your body is considered a poison as it destroys life. Poison comes in a variety of forms. Poisonous compounds can be found in household items. Medicines that are not taken exactly as prescribed might be dangerous. Poison can be ingested in a variety of ways. You may take it in by breathing it in, swallowing it, or absorbing it through your skin. Poisoning can occur due to an accident or as a deliberate activity.

Definition and Meaning of Poisoning 

Any chemical that is detrimental to your body is considered a poison. You might take it by mouth, breathe it, inject it, or absorb it via your skin. Any chemical might be toxic if consumed in excess. Poisons can include the following:

Prescription or over-the-counter medications are used in excessively high amounts.

Illegal drug overdoses

• Carbon monoxide emitted by gas appliances

• Laundry powder and furniture polish are examples of household items.

• Pesticides

• Plants, whether indoors or outside

• Lead and mercury are two examples of metals.

• Poisoning can cause everything from short-term sickness to brain damage, coma, and death. 

It is critical to use and store items exactly as directed on the label to avoid poisoning. Keep dangerous products where children can’t get to them. Treatment for poisoning depends on the type.

Poison Classification

According to their origin, physical form, chemical composition, activity, target location, or usage, poisons are categorised.

Origin-based categorisation

Poisons can be microbiological, botanical, animal, or synthetic. Microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungus create microbial toxins. The botulinus toxin, for example, is generated by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and can cause weakness and paralysis if present in unprocessed, non-acidic canned foods or other meals containing spores. The belladonna alkaloid hyoscyamine, found in belladonna (Atropa belladonna) and jimsonweed, is an example of a plant poison (Datura stramonium).

Animal poisons are often transmitted by the bites and stings of venomous terrestrial or marine creatures. The former category consists of poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, and ants, and the latter group consists of sea snakes, stingrays, and jellyfish. Synthetic poisons cause the majority of poisonings. The term “synthetic” refers to compounds created by chemists, such as pharmaceuticals and insecticides, and chemicals refined from natural sources, such as metal from ores and petroleum solvents. Pesticides, home cleansers, cosmetics, medications, and hydrocarbons are synthetic poisons.

How is poisoning identified?

Poisoning can be diagnosed by your doctor. First, they will go over your medical history and perform a physical examination. Your doctor can also do tests to determine the reason. The majority of toxins can be found in the blood or urine. A toxicology test may be ordered by your doctor. A urine or saliva sample is used to screen for common drugs.

Is it possible to prevent or avoid poisoning?

The greatest approach to avoiding poisoning is to avoid coming into touch with dangerous chemicals.

The guidelines listed below should be followed:

• Keep any home chemicals out of children’s reach. You should store them in high-security or locked cabinets

• This includes medications, cleaning supplies, and other potentially hazardous compounds

• You may also childproof your home by installing safety locks and guards

• When working with cleaners and chemicals, wear protective clothing such as gloves

• Use insecticides, paint thinner, and other comparable substances outside the home or garage. Look for non-chemical remedies

• If you must use these chemicals indoors, keep the area adequately ventilated

• Do not combine chemicals

• When they are combined, they can become toxic

• One example is the combination of bleach and ammonia. When they combine, they produce a lethal gas

• Medicines and chemicals should be kept in its original containers

• Everything in your medical cabinet should be labelled

• Get rid of any outdated or expired medications and household items. Dispose of them carefully in accordance with FDA and hazardous waste requirements. For further information, contact poison control

• Follow all product instructions

• Have all gas, oil, and wood-burning appliances serviced on a regular basis. Make sure they’re well ventilated

• Other than when you’re arriving or going, never leave your automobile running in the garage

• In your home, install a carbon monoxide detector. Battery testing and replacement should be done on a regular basis

Conclusion

The majority of toxic exposures may be treated with normal emergency care and, if necessary, symptomatic intensive-care procedures. Poison information centres aid in the efficient handling of poisoning incidents. The information they gather is valuable for toxicological evaluation and might serve as a starting point for research projects.