Poisoning occurs when some toxic substance is ingested, inhaled, or absorbed by the body. Just about any substance can be toxic, while many do not cause adverse effects until they are present in large quantities; some can cause extreme reactions with only a drop.

If you suspect poisoning, it is important to call your local poison control center for advice. Determining the substance involved is very helpful, if not crucial, in treating victims. Often such a determination is difficult and doctors must take blood, urine, or stomach samples to find out what substance is to blame for the poisoning.

Children are especially susceptible to poisoning as their natural curiosity leads them into dangerous situations. Additionally, their small body size makes them more vulnerable to toxic substances.

View sub-topics at right to learn more about some specific types of poisonings.

See Also

  1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Overview
  2. Poisoning & Overdose: Overview
  3. Alfalfa / Clover Sprouts: Overview
  4. Artificial Nail Remover: Overview
  5. Boats & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  6. Carbon Monoxide
  7. Contaminated Chicken Products: Overview
  8. Dangerous Cleaning Products: Overview
  9. Cruise Ship & Ferry Accidents
  10. Contaminated Duck: Overview
  11. Gas & Oil Pipeline Accidents
  12. Hair-dye
  13. Jin Bu Huan: Overview
  14. L.M. Becker & Co. Inc. Toy Necklaces
  15. Mining & Oil Field Accidents
  16. Portable Generators
  17. Produce (Fruits & Vegetables)
  18. School Buses & Commercial Lines
  19. Contaminated Seafood: Overview
  20. Sulfur Trioxide
  21. Tobacco Field Workers: Overview
  22. Toxic Insecticide Chalk: Overview
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