Poison

For other uses, see Poison (disambiguation).

EU standard toxic symbol, as defined by Directive 67/548/EEC.

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. Legally and in hazardous chemical labelling, poisons are especially toxic substances; less toxic substances are labelled "harmful", "irritant", or not labelled at all.

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.

sdfasdasdfasdf

asdf

sdf

df

h

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• History of poison
• Antidote
• Venom
• Biosecurity
• Food taster
• LD₅₀
• Lethal injection
• List of poisonings
• List of fictional toxins
• Toxicity
• List of extremely hazardous substances
• Mr. Yuk

External links

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
• American Association of Poison Control Centers
• American College of Medical Toxicology
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• Clinical Toxicology Teaching Wiki
• Find Your Local Poison Control Centre Here (Worldwide)
• Poison Prevention and Education Website