OLD What is a poison?

Poisoning happens when a substance enters the body that can damage health or endanger life.

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 a common painkiller that is normally safe but if more than the recommended dosage is taken i.e. an overdose, it can cause liver failure.

Potential poisons include:

• Corrosive chemicals
• Household products such as bleach
• Pesticides
• Some types of plants and fungi
• Poorly prepared or cooked food
• Alcohol
• Recreational drugs
• Carbon monoxide 

Poisons can be:

• Ingested (swallowed) – food, alcohol, drugs
• Inhaled (breathed in) – gases, fumes
• Absorbed (through the skin and splashed in the eyes) – chemicals, vapours
• Injected (directly into skin tissue, muscle or blood vessels) – drugs, stings, bites