The causes of poisoning
Poisoning happens when you take into your body, a substance that damages your cells and organs, and injures your health.
Poisons are usually swallowed, but they can also be absorbed through the skin, injected, inhaled or splashed into the eyes.
Many substances are only poisonous if an abnormally large amount is taken. For example, paracetamol is harmless if you take one or two tablets for a headache, but is poisonous if you take an overdose.
A poison can enter the body in a number of ways:
- Swallowed – Food, alcohol, drugs etc.
- Absorbed – Chemicals, vapours etc. through the skin
- Injected – Drugs, medicine, stings etc.
- Inhaled – Gases, fumes etc
- Splashed – into the eyes. Chemicals, etc.
General treatment for poisons
- Call for an ambulance immediately
- Place in the recovery position in order to maintain an open airway, and to allow vomit to drain from the mouth
- Keep any evidence of the poison
- Monitor their breathing and be prepared to resuscitate them
