Poisoning



The definition of poisoning states that, “poison is any substance that kills or injures through its chemical actions.” Poison comes from the Latin word potare, which means to drink but poisons can enter the body in a number of different ways – through inhalation or injection or even from physical contact.

Surprisingly more than 90% of poisonings occur at home as poisonous substances are very common today from cleaning solutions to cosmetics and aerosols. Studies show that most cases of accidental poisoning involve toddlers and children, as they generally taste objects in order to understand more about the world around them. The careless usage of a poisonous product is often the cause of poisoning in adults. Some cases of poisoning may be intentional rather than accidental and in cases of suicide, a medical evaluation is often required.


Frequently asked questions
References
  1. Melvin Lewis, Albert J. Solnit, Mary H. Stark, Ira W. Gabrielson, Ethelyn H. Klatskin, AN EXPLORATION STUDY OF ACCIDENTAL INGESTION OF POISON IN YOUNG CHILDREN, Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 1966, Pages 255-271, ISSN 0002-7138, 10.1016/S0002-7138(09)62057-4.
  2. Andrew J. Goddard, James Dear, Management of the poisoned patient, Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, Volume 11, Issue 11, November 2010, Pages 490-493, ISSN 1472-0299, 10.1016/j.mpaic.2010.08.011.
  3. Christopher P. Holstege, Stephen G. Dobmeier, Laura K. Bechtel, Critical Care Toxicology, Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, Volume 26, Issue 3, August 2008, Pages 715-739, ISSN 0733-8627, 10.1016/j.emc.2008.04.003.
  4. Donald D. Vernon, Martin C. Gleich, POISONING AND DRUG OVERDOSE, Critical Care Clinics, Volume 13, Issue 3, 1 July 1997, Pages 647-667, ISSN 0749-0704, 10.1016/S0749-0704(05)70333-X.