Poison

Poison, substance that causes illness or death when it is eaten or absorbed into the body. There are many different kinds of poisons. Some are found in nature. For example, some plants contain poison. Caution should always be taken before eating wild foods, such as mushrooms or berries. Some animals eject poison when they bite, such as rattlesnakes, wasps, and scorpions. In the home, various products contain poisonous chemicals, such as cleaning fluids and insect sprays. Such products should always be used according to instruction and should be kept away from children. Medicines taken in large doses can become poisonous. Gases such as carbon monoxide are deadly when inhaled in large amounts. Drugs called antidotes can be taken to reverse the harmful effects of some poisons.

See also: Toxin.