Information about Poisons
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In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause damage, illness, or death to organisms, usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism. Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, once wrote: "Everything is poison, there is poison in everything. Only the dose makes a thing not a poison".
In medicine (particularly veterinary) and in zoology, a poison is often distinguished from a toxin and a venom. Toxins are poisons produced via some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as biologic toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances which are absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut.
Animal toxins that are delivered subcutaneously (e.g. by sting or bite) are also called venom. In normal usage, a poisonous organism is one that is harmful to consume, but a venomous organism uses poison to defend itself while still alive. A single organism can be both venomous and poisonous.
The derivative forms "toxic" and "poisonous" are synonymous.
Within chemistry and physics, a poison is a substance that obstructs or inhibits a reaction, for example by binding to a catalyst. For example, see nuclear poison.
The phrase "poison" is often used colloquially to describe any harmful substance, particularly corrosive substances, carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and harmful pollutants, and to exaggerate the dangers of chemicals. The legal definition of "poison" is stricter.
Chemicals with non-lethal hazards, such as corrosivity, mild toxicity and harmfulness, may be informally referred to as "poisons", but are not usually marked with the skull-and-crossbones symbol. To contrast, see also the definitions of corrosive, harmful, environmentally hazardous and irritant. The UN standard symbol for harmful and irritant substances is a St Andrew's cross on an orange background, which is being replaced by an exclamation mark (or carcinogen symbol when applicable) in the Globally Harmonized System. This is applied to materials with non-lethal hazards as well as to potentially lethal materials.
Poisons are usually not used for their toxicity, but may be used for their other properties. The property of toxicity itself has limited applications: mainly for controlling pests and weeds, and for preserving building materials and food stuffs. Where possible, specific agents which are less poisonous to humans have come to be preferred, but exceptions such as phosphine continue in use.
Throughout human history, intentional application of poison has been used as a method of assassination, murder, suicide and execution. [1][2] As a method of execution, poison has been ingested, as the ancient Athenians did (see Socrates), inhaled, as with carbon monoxide or hydrogen cyanide (see gas chamber), or injected (see lethal injection). Many languages describe lethal injection with their corresponding words for "poison shot". Poison was also employed in gunpowder warfare. For example, the 14th century Chinese text of the Huo Long Jing written by Jiao Yu outlined the use of a poisonous gunpowder mixture to fill cast iron grenade bombs.[3]
Poisonous materials are often used for their chemical or physical properties other than being poisonous. The most effective, easiest, safest, or cheapest option for use in a chemical synthesis may be a poisonous material. Particularly in experimental laboratory syntheses a specific reactivity is used, despite the toxicity of the reagent. Chromic acid is an example of such a "simple to use" reagent. Many technical applications call for some specific physical properties; a toxic substance may possess these properties and therefore be superior. Reactivity, in particular, is important. Hydrogen fluoride, for example, is poisonous and extremely corrosive. However, it has a high affinity for silicon, which is exploited by using HF to etch glass or to manufacture silicon semiconductor chips.
Chronic poisoning is long-term repeated or continuous exposure to a poison where symptoms do not occur immediately or after each exposure. The patient gradually becomes ill, or becomes ill after a long latent period. Chronic poisoning most commonly occurs following exposure to poisons that bioaccumulate such as mercury and lead.
Contact or absorption of poisons can cause rapid death or impairment. Agents that act on the nervous system can paralyze in seconds or less, and include both biologically derived neurotoxins and so-called nerve gases, which may be synthesized for warfare or industry.
Inhaled or ingested cyanide as used as method of execution on US gas chambers almost instantly starves the body of energy by inhibiting the enzymes in mitochondria that make ATP. Intravenous injection of an unnaturally high concentration of potassium chloride, such as in the execution of prisoners in parts of the United States, quickly stops the heart by eliminating the cell potential necessary for muscle contraction.
Most (but not all) biocides, including pesticides, are created to act as poisons to target organisms, although acute or less observable chronic poisoning can also occur in non-target organism, including the humans who apply the biocides and other beneficial organisms. For example, the herbicide 2,4-D imitates the action of a plant hormone, to the effect that the lethal toxicity is specific to plants. Indeed, 2,4-D is not a poison, but classified as "harmful" (EU).
Many substances regarded as poisons are toxic only indirectly, by toxication. An example is "wood alcohol" or methanol, which is not poisonous itself, but is chemically converted to toxic formaldehyde and formic acid in the liver. Many drug molecules are made toxic in the liver, and the genetic variability of certain liver enzymes makes the toxicity of many compounds differ between individuals.
The study of the symptoms, mechanisms, treatment and diagnosis of biological poisoning is known as toxicology.
Exposure to radioactive substances can produce radiation poisoning, an unrelated phenomenon.
(T36-T50) Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances
(T36.) Poisoning by systemic antibiotics
(T37.) Poisoning by other systemic anti-infectives and antiparasitics
(T38.) Poisoning by hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified
(T39.) Poisoning by nonopiod analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics
(T40.) Poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics (hallucinogens)
(T41.) Poisoning by anaesthetics and therapeutic gases
(T42.) Poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and antiparkinsonism drugs
(T43.) Poisoning by psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified
(T44.) Poisoning by drugs primarily affecting the autonomic nervous system Neurotoxins interfere with nervous system functions and often lead to near-instant paralysis followed by rapid death. They include most spider and snake venoms, as well as many modern chemical weapons. One class of toxins of interest to neurochemical researchers are the various cone snail toxins known as conotoxins. Anticholinesterases (T44.0)
(T50.) Poisoning by diuretics and other unspecified drugs, medicaments and biological substances
(T51-T65) Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source
(T51.) Toxic effect of alcohol (T52.) Toxic effect of organic solvents
(T53.) Toxic effect of halogen derivatives of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
(T54.) Toxic effect of corrosive substances Corrosives mechanically damage biological systems on contact. Both the sensation and injury caused by contact with a corrosive resembles a burn injury.
Bases (T54.3) Strong inorganic bases, such as lye, gradually dissolve skin on contact but can cause serious damage to eyes or mucous membranes much more rapidly. Ammonia is a far weaker base than lye, but has the distinction of being a gas and thus may more easily come into contact with the sensitive mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Quicklime, which has household uses, is a particularly common cause of poisoning. Some of the light metals, if handled carelessly, can not only cause thermal burns, but also produce very strongly basic solutions in sweat.
(T55.) Toxic effect of soaps and detergents
(T56.) Toxic effect of metals A common trait shared by toxic metals is the chronic nature of their toxicity (a notable exception would be bismuth, which is considered entirely non-toxic). Low levels of toxic metal salts ingested over time accumulate in the body until toxic levels are reached. Toxic metals are often inaccurately referred to as "heavy metals", although not all heavy metals are necessarily harmful and not all toxic metals are heavy metals.
Toxic metals are generally far more toxic when ingested in the form of soluble salts than in elemental form. For example, metallic mercury passes through the human digestive tract without interaction and is commonly used in dental fillings—even though mercury salts and inhaled mercury vapor are highly toxic.
Examples:
All halogens are strong oxidizing agents, fluorine (T59.5) being the strongest of all.
(T60.) Toxic effect of pesticides
| Part of a series on |
| Toxicology and poison |
|---|
| Toxicology (Forensic) - Toxinology History of poison (ICD-10 , ICD-9 ) |
| Concepts |
| Poison - Toxicant - Antidote Acceptable daily intake - Acute toxicity - Bioaccumulation -Fixed Dose Procedure - LD50 - Lethal dose - Toxic capacity - Toxicity Class |
| Toxins and venoms |
| Neurotoxin - Necrotoxin - Hemotoxin - Mycotoxin - Aflatoxin - Phototoxin List of fictional toxins |
| Incidents |
| Bradford - Minamata - Niigata - Alexander Litvinenko - Bhopal 2007 pet food recalls List of poisonings |
| Poisoning types |
| Elements Lead - Mercury - Cadmium - Fluoride - Iron - Arsenic - Oxygen Seafood Shellfish (Paralytic - Diarrheal - Neurologic - Amnesic) - Ciguatera - Scombroid - Tetrodotoxin Other substances Pesticide - Organophosphate - Food - Nicotine - Theobromine - Carbon monoxide - Vitamin - Medicines Living organisms Mushrooms - Plants - Animals |
| Related topics |
| Hazard symbol - Carcinogen - Mutagen - List of Extremely Hazardous Substances - Biological warfare |
In medicine (particularly veterinary) and in zoology, a poison is often distinguished from a toxin and a venom. Toxins are poisons produced via some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as biologic toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances which are absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut.
Terminology
Some poisons are also toxins, usually referring to naturally produced substances, such as the bacterial proteins that cause tetanus and botulism. A distinction between the two terms is not always observed, even among scientists.Animal toxins that are delivered subcutaneously (e.g. by sting or bite) are also called venom. In normal usage, a poisonous organism is one that is harmful to consume, but a venomous organism uses poison to defend itself while still alive. A single organism can be both venomous and poisonous.
The derivative forms "toxic" and "poisonous" are synonymous.
Within chemistry and physics, a poison is a substance that obstructs or inhibits a reaction, for example by binding to a catalyst. For example, see nuclear poison.
The phrase "poison" is often used colloquially to describe any harmful substance, particularly corrosive substances, carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and harmful pollutants, and to exaggerate the dangers of chemicals. The legal definition of "poison" is stricter.
Warning symbols
Poisons have been known to be symbolized by the skull and crossbones, indicating lethal potential. This is the UN standard symbol, used in the European Union and in the Globally Harmonized System. However, it can be considered a liability for marketing. In the United States, other symbols such as Mr. Yuk have been suggested to replace the skull and crossbones. Proponents of the Mr. Yuk argue that the skull-and-crossbones symbols attracts children because of its association to pirates, and assert that Mr. Yuk does not. However, the Globally Harmonized System will be enforced also in the United States, including the skull-and-crossbones symbol.Chemicals with non-lethal hazards, such as corrosivity, mild toxicity and harmfulness, may be informally referred to as "poisons", but are not usually marked with the skull-and-crossbones symbol. To contrast, see also the definitions of corrosive, harmful, environmentally hazardous and irritant. The UN standard symbol for harmful and irritant substances is a St Andrew's cross on an orange background, which is being replaced by an exclamation mark (or carcinogen symbol when applicable) in the Globally Harmonized System. This is applied to materials with non-lethal hazards as well as to potentially lethal materials.
Uses of poison
)
"Poisoning of Queen Bona" by Jan Matejko
Throughout human history, intentional application of poison has been used as a method of assassination, murder, suicide and execution. [1][2] As a method of execution, poison has been ingested, as the ancient Athenians did (see Socrates), inhaled, as with carbon monoxide or hydrogen cyanide (see gas chamber), or injected (see lethal injection). Many languages describe lethal injection with their corresponding words for "poison shot". Poison was also employed in gunpowder warfare. For example, the 14th century Chinese text of the Huo Long Jing written by Jiao Yu outlined the use of a poisonous gunpowder mixture to fill cast iron grenade bombs.[3]
Poisonous materials are often used for their chemical or physical properties other than being poisonous. The most effective, easiest, safest, or cheapest option for use in a chemical synthesis may be a poisonous material. Particularly in experimental laboratory syntheses a specific reactivity is used, despite the toxicity of the reagent. Chromic acid is an example of such a "simple to use" reagent. Many technical applications call for some specific physical properties; a toxic substance may possess these properties and therefore be superior. Reactivity, in particular, is important. Hydrogen fluoride, for example, is poisonous and extremely corrosive. However, it has a high affinity for silicon, which is exploited by using HF to etch glass or to manufacture silicon semiconductor chips.
Biological poisoning
Acute poisoning is exposure to a poison on one occasion or during a short period of time. Symptoms develop in close relation to the exposure. Absorption of a poison is necessary for systemic poisoning. In contrast, substances that destroy tissue but do not absorb, such as lye, are classified as corrosives rather than poisons.Chronic poisoning is long-term repeated or continuous exposure to a poison where symptoms do not occur immediately or after each exposure. The patient gradually becomes ill, or becomes ill after a long latent period. Chronic poisoning most commonly occurs following exposure to poisons that bioaccumulate such as mercury and lead.
Contact or absorption of poisons can cause rapid death or impairment. Agents that act on the nervous system can paralyze in seconds or less, and include both biologically derived neurotoxins and so-called nerve gases, which may be synthesized for warfare or industry.
Inhaled or ingested cyanide as used as method of execution on US gas chambers almost instantly starves the body of energy by inhibiting the enzymes in mitochondria that make ATP. Intravenous injection of an unnaturally high concentration of potassium chloride, such as in the execution of prisoners in parts of the United States, quickly stops the heart by eliminating the cell potential necessary for muscle contraction.
Most (but not all) biocides, including pesticides, are created to act as poisons to target organisms, although acute or less observable chronic poisoning can also occur in non-target organism, including the humans who apply the biocides and other beneficial organisms. For example, the herbicide 2,4-D imitates the action of a plant hormone, to the effect that the lethal toxicity is specific to plants. Indeed, 2,4-D is not a poison, but classified as "harmful" (EU).
Many substances regarded as poisons are toxic only indirectly, by toxication. An example is "wood alcohol" or methanol, which is not poisonous itself, but is chemically converted to toxic formaldehyde and formic acid in the liver. Many drug molecules are made toxic in the liver, and the genetic variability of certain liver enzymes makes the toxicity of many compounds differ between individuals.
The study of the symptoms, mechanisms, treatment and diagnosis of biological poisoning is known as toxicology.
Exposure to radioactive substances can produce radiation poisoning, an unrelated phenomenon.
Poisoning management
- Poison Control Centers (In the US reachable at 1-800-222-1222 at all hours) provide immediate, free, and expert treatment advice and assistance over the telephone in case of suspected exposure to poisons or toxic substances.
General first aid
- If the poison is an inhalant, remove the patient from the area and to fresh air.
- If the poisoning is affecting the skin, remove the clothing and wash the skin thoroughly unless a dry powder is the cause of the poisoning.
- If the poison is in the eye, flush the eye thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Following ingestion, do not induce vomiting or administer anything without medical advice.
- Contact a poison control center for advice on what to do next.
Initial medical management
- Initial management for all poisonings includes ensuring adequate cardiopulmonary function and providing treatment for any symptoms such as seizures, shock, and pain.
Decontamination
- If the toxin was recently ingested, absorption of the substance may be able to be decreased through gastric decontamination. This may be achieved using activated charcoal, gastric lavage, whole bowel irrigation, or nasogastric aspiration. Routine use of emetics (syrup of Ipecac) and cathartics are no longer recommended.
- Activated charcoal is the treatment of choice to prevent absorption of the poison. It is usually administered when the patient is in the emergency room. However, charcoal is ineffective against metals, Na, K, alcohols, glycols, acids, and alkalis.
- Whole bowel irrigation cleanses the bowel, this is achieved by giving the patient large amounts of a polyethylene glycol solution. The osmotically balanced polyethylene glycol solution is not absorbed into the body, having the effect of flushing out the entire gastrointestinal tract. Its major uses are following ingestion of sustained release drugs, toxins that are not absorbed by activated charcoal (i.e. lithium, iron), and for the removal of ingested packets of drugs (body packing/smuggling).[4]
- Gastric lavage, commonly known as a stomach pump, is the insertion of a tube into the stomach, followed by administration of water or saline down the tube. The liquid is then removed along with the contents of the stomach. Lavage has been used for many years as a common treatment for poisoned patients. However, a recent review of the procedure in poisonings suggests no benefit.[5] It is still sometimes used if it can be performed within 1 h of ingestion and the exposure is potentially life threatening.
- Nasogastric aspiration involves the placement of a tube via the nose down into the stomach, the stomach contents are then removed via suction. This procedure is mainly used for liquid ingestions where activated charcoal is ineffective, i.e. ethylene glycol.
- Emesis (i.e. induced by ipecac) is no longer recommended in poisoning situations.[6]
- Cathartics were postulated to decrease absorption by increasing the expulsion of the poison from the gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of cathartics used in poisoned patients; saline cathartics (sodium sulfate, magnesium citrate, magnesium sulfate) and saccharide cathartics (sorbitol). They do not appear to improve patient outcome and are no longer recommended.[7]
Antidotes
Some poisons have specific antidotes:| Poison/Drug | Antidote |
|---|---|
| paracetamol (acetaminophen) | N-acetylcysteine |
| vitamin K anticoagulants, e.g. warfarin | vitamin K |
| opioids | naloxone |
| iron (and other heavy metals) | desferrioxamine, Deferasirox or Deferiprone |
| benzodiazepines | flumazenil |
| ethylene glycol | ethanol, fomepizole or Thiamine |
| methanol | ethanol or fomepizole |
| cyanide | amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite & sodium thiosulphate |
| Organophosphates | Atropine & Pralidoxime |
| Magnesium | Calcium Gluconate |
| Calcium Channel Blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem) | Calcium Gluconate |
| Beta-Blockers (Propranolol, Sotalol) | Calcium Gluconate and/or Glucagon |
| Isoniazid | Pyridoxine |
Enhanced excretion
- In some situations elimination of the poison can be enhanced using diuresis, hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, peritoneal dialysis, or exchange transfusion.
Further treatment
- In the majority of poisonings the mainstay of management is providing supportive care for the patient, i.e. treating the symptoms rather than the poison.
Types of poisons
The majority of this section is sorted by ICD-10 code, which classifies poisons based upon the nature of the poison itself. However, it is also possible to classify poisons based upon the effect the poison has (for example, "Metabolic poisons" such as Antimycin, Malonate, and 2,4-Dinitrophenol act by adversely disrupting the normal metabolism of an organism.)(T36-T50) Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances
(T36.) Poisoning by systemic antibiotics
(T37.) Poisoning by other systemic anti-infectives and antiparasitics
(T38.) Poisoning by hormones and their synthetic substitutes and antagonists, not elsewhere classified
(T39.) Poisoning by nonopiod analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics
(T40.) Poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics (hallucinogens)
(T41.) Poisoning by anaesthetics and therapeutic gases
(T42.) Poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and antiparkinsonism drugs
(T43.) Poisoning by psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified
(T44.) Poisoning by drugs primarily affecting the autonomic nervous system Neurotoxins interfere with nervous system functions and often lead to near-instant paralysis followed by rapid death. They include most spider and snake venoms, as well as many modern chemical weapons. One class of toxins of interest to neurochemical researchers are the various cone snail toxins known as conotoxins. Anticholinesterases (T44.0)
- Fasciculin
- Nerve agents
- Nicotine - not strictly a neurotoxin, but capable in large doses of causing heart attack
- Phytohaemagglutinin (Red kidney bean poisoning)
(T50.) Poisoning by diuretics and other unspecified drugs, medicaments and biological substances
(T51-T65) Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source
(T51.) Toxic effect of alcohol (T52.) Toxic effect of organic solvents
(T53.) Toxic effect of halogen derivatives of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
(T54.) Toxic effect of corrosive substances Corrosives mechanically damage biological systems on contact. Both the sensation and injury caused by contact with a corrosive resembles a burn injury.
- Acids and bases, corrosives
- Various light metal oxides, hydroxides, superoxides
- Bleach, some pool chemicals, other hypochlorates (acidic and oxydizing effect)
- Hydrofluoric acid
Bases (T54.3) Strong inorganic bases, such as lye, gradually dissolve skin on contact but can cause serious damage to eyes or mucous membranes much more rapidly. Ammonia is a far weaker base than lye, but has the distinction of being a gas and thus may more easily come into contact with the sensitive mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Quicklime, which has household uses, is a particularly common cause of poisoning. Some of the light metals, if handled carelessly, can not only cause thermal burns, but also produce very strongly basic solutions in sweat.
(T55.) Toxic effect of soaps and detergents
(T56.) Toxic effect of metals A common trait shared by toxic metals is the chronic nature of their toxicity (a notable exception would be bismuth, which is considered entirely non-toxic). Low levels of toxic metal salts ingested over time accumulate in the body until toxic levels are reached. Toxic metals are often inaccurately referred to as "heavy metals", although not all heavy metals are necessarily harmful and not all toxic metals are heavy metals.
Toxic metals are generally far more toxic when ingested in the form of soluble salts than in elemental form. For example, metallic mercury passes through the human digestive tract without interaction and is commonly used in dental fillings—even though mercury salts and inhaled mercury vapor are highly toxic.
Examples:
- (T56.0) Lead poisoning
- (T56.1) Mercury
- (T56.2) Chromium
- (T56.3) Cadmium
- (T56.7) Beryllium (a highly but subtly toxic light metal)
- Antimony
- Barium
- Thallium
- Uranium
- (T57.0) Arsenic (see arsenic poisoning)
- Arsenic compounds
- Arsenic trioxide
- Fowler's solution
- (T57.1) The most notable substance in this class is phosphorus.
- (T58) By far the most notable metabolic poison is carbon monoxide, which blocks the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen.
All halogens are strong oxidizing agents, fluorine (T59.5) being the strongest of all.
- See also: Free radical
(T60.) Toxic effect of pesticides
- Pesticide poisoning
- Fluoroacetate is a metabolic poison that blocks a vital step in the citric acid cycle.
- Rotenone is a metabolic poison that disrupts electron transport in cellular respiration.
- Ciguatera poisoning
- Scombroid poisoning
- Shellfish toxins (PSP, DSP, NSP, ASP )
- Domoic acid (or Amnesic shellfish poisoning, ASP)
- Tetrodotoxin
- Food poisoning
- Botulin toxin
- Hemlock water dropwort
- Grayanotoxin (Honey intoxication)
- Tetanospasmin (Tetanos Toxin)
- Fungal toxins
- Amanita toxin, see Amanita phalloides
- Muscarine
- Aflatoxins
References
1. ^ Kautilya suggests employing means such as seduction, secret use of weapons, poison etc. - Kautilya Arthshastra and the Science of Management: Relevance for the Contemporary Society By S.D.Chamola. ISBN 8178711265. Page 40.
2. ^ Kautilya urged detailed precautions against assassination - tasters for food, elaborate ways to detect poison. - Moderate Machiavelli? Contrasting The Prince with the Arthashastra of Kautilya. Journal. Critical Horizons. Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers. ISSN 1440-9917 (Print) 1568-5160 (Online). Subject: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law. Issue: Volume 3, Number 2 / September, 2002. DOI: 10.1163/156851602760586671
3. ^ Needham, Joseph (1986). Science and Civilization in China: Volume 5, Part 7. Taipei: Caves Books, Ltd. Page 180.
4. ^ (2004) "Position paper: whole bowel irrigation.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (6): 843-54. PMID 15533024.
5. ^ Vale JA, Kulig K; American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. (2004). "Position paper: gastric lavage.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (7): 933-43. PMID 15641639.
6. ^ (2004) "Position paper: Ipecac syrup.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (2): 133-43. PMID 15214617.
7. ^ (2004) "Position paper: cathartics.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (3): 243-53. PMID 15362590.
2. ^ Kautilya urged detailed precautions against assassination - tasters for food, elaborate ways to detect poison. - Moderate Machiavelli? Contrasting The Prince with the Arthashastra of Kautilya. Journal. Critical Horizons. Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers. ISSN 1440-9917 (Print) 1568-5160 (Online). Subject: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law. Issue: Volume 3, Number 2 / September, 2002. DOI: 10.1163/156851602760586671
3. ^ Needham, Joseph (1986). Science and Civilization in China: Volume 5, Part 7. Taipei: Caves Books, Ltd. Page 180.
4. ^ (2004) "Position paper: whole bowel irrigation.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (6): 843-54. PMID 15533024.
5. ^ Vale JA, Kulig K; American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. (2004). "Position paper: gastric lavage.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (7): 933-43. PMID 15641639.
6. ^ (2004) "Position paper: Ipecac syrup.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (2): 133-43. PMID 15214617.
7. ^ (2004) "Position paper: cathartics.". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 42 (3): 243-53. PMID 15362590.
See also
- History of poison
- Antidote
- venom
- Biosecurity
- Food taster
- LD50
- Lethal injection
- List of poisonings
- List of fictional toxins
- Toxicity
- List of extremely hazardous substances
External links
- American Association of Poison Control Centers
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- Poison Prevention and Education Website
- Find Your Local Poison Control Centre Here (Worldwide)
Toxicology (from the Greek words toxicos and logos) is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.[1] It is the study of symptoms, mechanisms, treatments and detection of poisoning, especially the poisoning of people.
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Forensic toxicology is the use of toxicology and other disciplines such as analytical chemistry, pharmacology and clinical chemistry to aid medicolegal investigation of death, poisoning, and drug use.
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history of poisons[1] stretches over a period from before 4500 BC to the present day. Poisons have been used for many purposes across the span of human existence as weapons, anti-venoms and medicines.
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A toxicant is a chemical compound that has an effect on organisms. Toxicants are typically introduced into the environment by human activity.The effects depend on the concentration of the compound.
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An antidote is a substance which can counteract a form of poisoning.
Sometimes, the antidote for a particular toxin is manufactured by injecting the toxin into an animal in small doses and the resulting antibodies are extracted from the animals' blood.
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Sometimes, the antidote for a particular toxin is manufactured by injecting the toxin into an animal in small doses and the resulting antibodies are extracted from the animals' blood.
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Acceptable Daily Intake or ADI is a measure of the amount of a specific substance (usually a food additive, or a residue of a veterinary drug or pesticide) in food or drinking water that can be ingested (orally) over a lifetime without an appreciable health risk.
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Acute toxicity describes the adverse effects of a substance which result either from a single exposure[1] or from multiple exposures in a short space of time (usually less than 24 hours).
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Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost. Thus, the longer the biological half-life of the substance the greater the risk of chronic poisoning, even if environmental levels of the toxin are very
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The fixed-dose procedure (FDP) was proposed in 1984 to assess a substance's acute oral toxicity using fewer animals with less suffering than the older LD50 test developed in 1927.
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A lethal dose (LD) is an indication of the lethality of a given substance or type of radiation. Because resistance varies from one individual to another, the 'lethal dose' represents a dose (usually recorded as dose per kilogram of subject body weight) at which a given
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Toxic capacity can mean the toxicity of a substance, possibly in relation to a specific organism and toxic capacity can mean the capacity of an organism, organic system or ecosystem to contain a toxic substance or a selection of toxic substances (a compound) without showing
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Toxicity Class refers to a classification system for pesticides created by a national or international government-related or -sponsored organization. It addresses the acute toxicity of agents such as soil fumigants, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, miticides, molluscicides,
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toxin (Greek: τοξικόν, toxikon, lit. (poison) for use on arrows) is a poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms.
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Venom (literally, poison of animal origin) is any of a variety of toxins used by certain types of animals, for the purpose of defense and hunting. Generally, venom is injected while other toxins are absorbed by ingestion or through the skin.
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A neurotoxin is a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells – neurons – usually by interacting with membrane proteins such as ion channels. Many of the venoms and other toxins that organisms use in defense against vertebrates are neurotoxins.
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Necrosis (in Greek Νεκρός = Dead) is the name given to accidental death of cells and living tissue. Necrosis is less orderly than apoptosis, which is part of programmed cell death.
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Hemotoxins, haemotoxins or hematotoxins are toxins that destroy red blood cells (that is, cause hemolysis), disrupt blood clotting, and/or cause organ degeneration and generalized tissue damage.
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Mycotoxin (from the Greek μύκης (mykes, mukos) "fungus") is a toxin produced by an organism of the fungus kingdom, which includes mushrooms, molds and yeasts. Most fungi are aerobic (use oxygen).
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Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species of Aspergillus, a fungus, most notably Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins are toxic and carcinogenic.
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Phototoxins are toxins that can cause allergic reactions in particularly susceptible individuals and which can cause dangerous photosensitivity in a much broader range of subjects.
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Daylight.
This is the list of fictional chemical weapons. Fictional chemical weapons are toxins that are used on large scale, by either military, paramilitary or terrorist organizations.
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Fictional chemical weapons
This is the list of fictional chemical weapons. Fictional chemical weapons are toxins that are used on large scale, by either military, paramilitary or terrorist organizations.
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The Bradford sweets poisoning was the accidental arsenic poisoning of more than 200 people in Bradford, England in 1858; an estimated 20 people died when sweets accidentally made with arsenic were sold from a market stall.
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Minamata disease
Classification & external resources
The crippled hand of a Minamata disease victim (W. E. Smith)
ICD-10 T56.1
ICD-9 985.0
MedlinePlus 001651
Minamata disease
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Classification & external resources
The crippled hand of a Minamata disease victim (W. E. Smith)
ICD-10 T56.1
ICD-9 985.0
MedlinePlus 001651
Minamata disease
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Niigata Minamata disease
Classification & external resources
The crippled hand of a Minamata disease victim
ICD-10 T56.1
ICD-9 985.0
MedlinePlus 001651
Niigata Minamata disease
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Classification & external resources
The crippled hand of a Minamata disease victim
ICD-10 T56.1
ICD-9 985.0
MedlinePlus 001651
Niigata Minamata disease
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Alexander Litvinenko suddenly fell ill and was hospitalised. He died three weeks later, becoming the first known victim of lethal polonium-210-induced acute radiation syndrome.
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The Bhopal Disaster took place in the early hours of the morning of December 3 1984,[1] in the heart of the city of Bhopal in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
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2007 pet food recalls comprise the contamination and wide recall of many brands of cat and dog foods beginning in March 2007 and the ensuing developments involving the human food supply.
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This is a list of poisonings in chronological order of victim. It also includes confirmed attempted and fictional poisonings. Many of the people listed here committed or attempted to commit suicide by poison; others were poisoned by others.
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Lead poisoning
Classification & external resources
ICD-10 T 56.0
ICD-9 984.9
Lead poisoning is a medical condition, also known as saturnism, plumbism or painter's colic, caused by increased blood lead levels.
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Classification & external resources
ICD-10 T 56.0
ICD-9 984.9
Lead poisoning is a medical condition, also known as saturnism, plumbism or painter's colic, caused by increased blood lead levels.
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Herod_Archelaus
