Poisons


Poisons are substances that can cause a person to become ill and even
die. Many poisons exist in the home in the cleaning products and if
food is not properly cared for or prepared, the result could be food
poisoning. Although there is a distinction between toxins and poisons,
the two terms are used interchangeably. It is just that toxins come
from nature, such as plants, animals or insects.

Acute poisoning refers to a reaction a person has to a poison the
first time he/she ingests it or comes in contact with a toxic
substance. Poisoning can also occur over time with continued exposure
to a substance. When medications are not taken in the proper form they
can cause poisoning.

Children are most at risk for poisoning because they put everything
into their mouths. While these substances are also poison for adults,
the most common poisons for children are:



For adults, the common poisons are:


Many plants are poisonous. For example, the seeds and leaves of
apples, cherries, plums, apricots and peaches contain cyanogenic
glycosides. While there is not enough of this poison in the seeds of
one fruit to harm a person, eating a lot of them could result in
death. Rhubarb leaves are poisonous, while the stalk is good to eat.
Potatoes that are have a greenish or yellowish color in places should
also be avoided. This color means they have been sunburnt and can
cause digestive problems. Wild mushrooms are another example of
poisonous plants.

Some substances used in the home and industry are poisons. Ammonia can
be very irritating to the eyes. Wood alcohol is not poisonous on its
own, but if ingested, the liver converts it to formaldehyde, which is
toxic.

The venom of rattlesnakes is poison as is the venom of some spiders.
Mosquitoes too carry viruses, such as malaria and West Nile Virus.
This makes these insects poisonous. Treatments used in the home to get
rid of pests, such rodents or ants, are also poisonous and care should
be taken with small children and pets.




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