10.1 Common poisons and their effects

Poisons come in many forms, from household chemicals to toxic gases. Ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, they can cause severe health problems or even death. Understanding common poisons and their effects is crucial for preventing and responding to poisoning emergencies.

This section covers various types of poisons, including medications, toxic gases, and environmental toxins. We'll explore how these substances enter the body, their potential effects, and the importance of proper handling and safety measures to prevent poisoning incidents.

Ingested Poisons

Common Toxins and Chemicals

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• Toxins are poisonous substances produced by living organisms that can cause harm when ingested (snake venom, certain mushrooms)
• Household chemicals include cleaning products, detergents, and solvents that can cause severe damage to the digestive system if swallowed
• Pesticides used in agriculture and gardening can be highly toxic if ingested, leading to severe illness or death (organophosphates, carbamates)
• Many common plants contain toxic compounds that can cause adverse effects when consumed (oleander, castor beans, yew)

Medication Overdose and Misuse

• Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be dangerous if taken in excessive doses or by someone for whom they were not prescribed
• Accidental ingestion of medications by children is a common cause of poisoning incidents
• Intentional misuse or abuse of medications, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, can lead to severe toxicity and potentially fatal overdoses
• Mixing medications with alcohol or other substances can increase the risk of adverse effects and toxicity

Inhaled Poisons

Toxic Gases and Fumes

• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe poisoning when inhaled, often from faulty furnaces, gas appliances, or vehicle exhaust in enclosed spaces
• Toxic fumes from chemicals, such as chlorine gas or ammonia, can cause severe respiratory irritation and damage when inhaled
• Smoke from fires contains a mixture of toxic gases and particles that can cause respiratory distress and long-term health effects

Airborne Particles and Aerosols

• Airborne particles, such as asbestos fibers or silica dust, can cause chronic lung diseases when inhaled over an extended period (mesothelioma, silicosis)
• Aerosols, such as spray paints or household cleaners, can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects when inhaled
• Inhalation of fine particulate matter, such as air pollution or wildfire smoke, can exacerbate respiratory conditions and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

Absorbed Poisons

Environmental Toxins

• Lead poisoning can occur through exposure to lead-based paints, contaminated soil, or drinking water, causing developmental delays and neurological damage, especially in children
• Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled during application, leading to acute or chronic toxicity (organochlorines, pyrethroids)
• Solvents, such as benzene or toluene, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, causing neurological effects, liver damage, and increased cancer risk

Occupational Exposures

• Chemicals used in industrial processes, such as heavy metals or organic solvents, can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, leading to chronic health effects (mercury, trichloroethylene)
• Workers in certain industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, or healthcare, may be at higher risk of exposure to absorbed poisons due to their occupational activities
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety protocols can help reduce the risk of occupational exposures to absorbed poisons