Poison a substance that if ingested even in very small amounts can harm or kill living things. There are some substances that are considered poisonous even they are not classified as poison because they are dangerous only in relatively large amounts. Toxicology is the study of poisons, how they work, their effects on the body, and the treatment of the conditions.

Poison that comes from living things:

• Venoms and Rabies - Toxins from bite or sting of animals.
• Poisons are also produced by many plants, such as some mushrooms and alkaloid-bearing plants.

How Poison Works

• Corrosive and irritant poisons like strong acids destroy or inflame the cells they contact.
• Metabolic poisons like gases and drugs (that are toxic in overdose) act mainly by disrupting the body's chemical reactions.

Type of Poisons

• Hydrocyanic (prussic) acid is one of the most rapidly acting toxins which affects mammals, this toxin acts in seconds.
• Metallic compounds like mercury (commonly used in dental filling) and lead if ingested in small doses, may accumulate in the body for years before causing illness or death.
• Botulinus toxin is the deadliest poison, it is secreted by a bacillus that causes food poisoning. It is deadly even in extremely small amounts.

Symptoms of Poisoning:

• Smell of poison on the breath
• Burning sensation in the throat.
• Vomiting and dizziness
• Poisoning may also be the cause if the person suddenly becomes ill, faint, and acts in a confused manner.

What to do if you suspect that the person was poisoned:

• Skin Contamination. Before calling a doctor, place the affected area in running water, clean it with mild soap to remove any residue. Apply extra virgin olive oil to the skin to stop further inflammation.
• Eye Contamination. Before calling a doctor, hold the eyelids open and wash the eye with a gentle stream of running water for at least 15 minutes.
• Swallowed Poisons. Call a doctor. Remove any remaining poison from inside and around the mouth. Begin artificial respiration if the patient has trouble breathing. If the patient is conscious either: a.) Make the patient drink water or milk or b.) induce vomiting, but not if the patient has taken a corrosive poison (symptoms-severe pain, burning sensation in mouth and throat) or a petroleum product (for instance, gasoline or lighter fluid).
• Inhaled Poisons. Before calling a doctor bring the patient to fresh air and start artificial respiration if the patient is having hard time breathing. Keep the patient warm and quiet if the patient is having convulsions.

What to do in case of Poisoning:

• Bring the poisoned person to the doctor immediately
• Save the poison container with its label and any remaining content, since the kind of poison will determines the kind of treatment (antidote).