Poisons are substances that have the potential to cause harm or death when they enter the body through various routes, such as inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin absorption. They encompass a wide range of chemicals, including toxic substances, medications in excessive doses, illicit drugs, household chemicals, environmental pollutants, and venomous animal or plant toxins.
It's important to note that the effects of a poison can be influenced by various factors, including the route of exposure. For instance, inhalation of toxic fumes or gases can lead to respiratory distress or damage, while ingestion may affect the gastrointestinal system. There may be absorbed into the bloodstream, affecting multiple organs and systems. Injection of a poison directly into the bloodstream can have rapid and profound systemic effects.
Mortality rates due to poisonings can vary significantly globally and within different countries. Analysing the mortality rates associated with poisonings provides insight into the public health impact of these incidents and highlights the need for preventive measures and appropriate management strategies.