What is poison?
Basically anything that is harmful to your body is considered a poison. There are a wide variety of poisons out there. The products you use in your own home can contain poisonous substances. Not taking medication as prescribed can have negative consequences for your health.
Toxic exposure can occur in a variety of ways. It can be taken in in a variety of ways, including by mouth, skin, and inhalation. Poisoning can be the result of an unintentional or intentional act.
Poisoning signs and symptoms
Substance, amount, and method of contact all influence poisoning's effects. These factors are not the only ones that play a role in your symptoms.
Poisoning may cause the following symptoms:
- Vomiting or feeling sick to one's stomach
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Sores or rashes on the lips or gums
- Anxiety-induced drooling
- Foaming at the mouth, or drooling.
- Breathing difficulties
- Pupils that are either dilated or constricting (smaller than normal)
- Confusion
- Fainting
- seizure and shaking
What is the source of poisoning?
Several substances are poisonous and should be avoided at all costs.
Among them:
- Personal care products, such as nail polish remover and mouthwash, that are harmful to children should be avoided.
- Products and detergents for cleaning
- thinner for paint
- Bug spray and pesticides
- Herbicides, fertilizers, and fungicides are all examples of lawn chemicals.
- Toxic elements found in old thermometers and batteries such as lead mercury
- Combining prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to serious side effects.
- Drug trafficking
- Carburetor exhaust gas
- Food that has gone bad.
- poisonous plants like poison ivy and oak
- Toxins found in some snakes and insects
Types Of Poison
The majority of poisoning cases are accidental and therefore preventable. A primary mission of North Carolina Poison Control is to reduce the number of poisonings through poison prevention education activities and materials.
Here, we provide you with specific types of poisons and a list of poisons belonging to that group.
Common Poisons at Home & Work
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- E-cigarettes
- Food Poisoning
- Glow Sticks
- Hydrocarbons (kerosene, gasoline, oils, etc.)
- Lead Poisoning
- Mercury (thermometers or industrial applications)
- Mothballs
- Silica Gel
Venomous Creatures
- Aquatic Animals
- Caterpillars
- Snakes (General)
- American Copperhead
- Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Pigmy Rattlesnake
- Timber Rattlesnake
- Spiders
- Black Widow
- Brown Recluse
- Stinging Insects
- Ticks
Prescription Medicines
- ADHD Medications
- Antidepressants
- Anxiety Medications
- Muscle Relaxers
- Pain Relievers
- Sleep Aids
Non-Prescription Medicines
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Cough and Cold Medicines for Children
- Iron
- Over-the-Counter Medicine and Pregnancy
Substances of Abuse
- Alcohol
- Bath Salts
- Cough & Cold Medicine
- Inhalants
- Marijuana
- Nicotine
- Synthetic Marijuana
General Poison Prevention
- Holiday Safety Tips
- Safe Cookouts
- Tailgating
How Poisons Are Diagnosed?
Poisoning is detectable by a doctor. An examination and review of your medical history are the first steps in the process. In addition, your doctor can perform diagnostic procedures to ascertain the root of the problem. Blood and urine tests can detect the majority of poisons. In some cases, a toxicology test may be prescribed by your doctor. A urine or saliva sample is used to check for the presence of commonly used drugs.
Is it possible to avoid or prevent poisoning?
Avoiding contact with poisonous substances is the best way to avoid poisoning. You should adhere to the guidelines listed below.
- Keep children and pets away from all household chemicals. It's best to keep them in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Medicine, cleaning products, and other toxic chemicals fall under this category. You can also use locks and guards to keep your home safe for your children.
- Wear gloves and other protective clothing when working with cleaning products and chemicals.
- Inside the house or garage should not be used pesticides, paint thinner, or similar chemicals. Look for alternatives to chemical remedies. Keep the area well ventilated if you use these chemicals indoors.
- Keep chemicals separate. When combined, they have the potential to be toxic. Examples include bleach and ammonia, which are used in cleaning. When they are combined, they form a lethal gas.
- Do not repackage medications or chemicals.
- Everything in your medicine cabinet should have a label attached to it.
- Throw out medicines and household products that have expired. Do so in accordance with FDA and hazardous waste regulations. More information can be obtained by contacting poison control.
- Make sure you're following the instructions on the product's label.
- Ensure that all gas-, oil-, and wood-burning appliances are serviced on an annual basis. Ventilate them to the best of your ability.
- Other than when you enter or exit the garage, never let your car run in there.
- A carbon monoxide detector should be installed in your home. The batteries should be tested and replaced on a regular basis.
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Treatment of poisoning
A person's and the type of poisoning's treatment must be taken into consideration. Maintaining your composure is imperative in this situation. Start by getting away from or removing the poison if possible. If the poison is in the air, get to a place where you have access to clean, fresh air.
If the poison has been absorbed into the skin, it should be washed off with water and any clothing in the area should be removed. Do not attempt to induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed the poison. This method is no longer advised.
The poison control center can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 if the victim is awake and alert. Having this number in your home and cell phone is a good idea. All instructions given by the operator should be followed. Make sure you have the following:
- The person's age and weight are taken into consideration.
- Address of the individual
- What kind of poisonous substance they were exposed to and when it happened
- Information on any allergies that individual may be suffering from
If the poisoned person is not breathing or is unconscious, dial 911 immediately. Additional treatment will be provided by the medical team. They have options for getting rid of the poison quickly before it does more damage. Poison antidotes are available for certain types of poisons. These cure the poison by reversing its effects. Also included in treatment are measures to alleviate symptoms.
Poisoning is a way of life.
The sooner you detect poisoning symptoms, the better the outcome will be for you. Poisoning, on the other hand, can have varying long-term effects. It all depends on the substance, the amount, and the method. In addition to your age, weight, and overall health, these factors can affect your results. A skin rash or a brief illness are examples of the short-term effects of poisoning. Brain damage, comas, and even death can result from severe cases.