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Causes of Poisoning

 While some causes of poisoning include toxic metals and chemicals not intended for human consumption, other causes of poisoning are normal everyday substances such as food or medicines that have been contaminated. Typical causes of poisoning are:

• Food: Foods such as some types of mushrooms are naturally poisonous. When food is not treated hygienically or prepared properly, poisoning can occur as well

• Water: Drinking contaminated water can cause poisoning.

• Drugs: When drugs are taken in excessive amounts or more than their prescribed dosages, poisoning can take place. Drugs such as beta-blockers to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure can lead to coma and heart failure if used improperly. Similarly, blood-thinning medications can prove fatal if taken in large doses.

• Vitamins A and D, if taken in excess, can cause liver damage or even death.

• Lead Poisoning: Lead is a metal used as a key ingredient in a number of products such as paint, water pipes, pottery articles, roofing, and batteries. Although many products using lead are now banned, cases of lead poisoning still exist especially among children.

• Household Products: Household products are the second most common cause of poisoning. Products such as cleaning material like bleach, disinfectants, and caustic soda are toxic if consumed. Cosmetics can contain harmful chemicals, as can simple DIY items such as glue and paint. Gardening products, rat poison, and weedkiller can be found in any household and can prove fatal is ingested.

• Snake Bites and Insects: Venom from snake bites and stings from bees and wasps can cause severe reactions and symptoms of poisoning.

• Carbon Monoxide: Produced by burning petrol, wood, or gas, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is also used in appliances such as heaters and cookers. Leakage of carbon monoxide can happen if these products are not serviced and cleaned regularly. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.

• The most common cases of poisoning occur when young children (often below the age of six) consume things that they do not realize are poisonous. These can include substances such as cleaning products, cosmetics, medications, plants, and foreign bodies such as batteries and coins.



Frequently asked questions

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References

1. Melvin Lewis, Albert J. Solnit, Mary H. Stark, Ira W. Gabrielson, Ethelyn H. Klatskin, AN EXPLORATION STUDY OF ACCIDENTAL INGESTION OF POISON IN YOUNG CHILDREN, Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, Volume 5, Issue 2, April 1966, Pages 255-271, ISSN 0002-7138, 10.1016/S0002-7138(09)62057-4.
2. Andrew J. Goddard, James Dear, Management of the poisoned patient, Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, Volume 11, Issue 11, November 2010, Pages 490-493, ISSN 1472-0299, 10.1016/j.mpaic.2010.08.011.
3. Christopher P. Holstege, Stephen G. Dobmeier, Laura K. Bechtel, Critical Care Toxicology, Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America, Volume 26, Issue 3, August 2008, Pages 715-739, ISSN 0733-8627, 10.1016/j.emc.2008.04.003.
4. Donald D. Vernon, Martin C. Gleich, POISONING AND DRUG OVERDOSE, Critical Care Clinics, Volume 13, Issue 3, 1 July 1997, Pages 647-667, ISSN 0749-0704, 10.1016/S0749-0704(05)70333-X.