Poison

Poison refers to any substance that is harmful to health or dangerous to life. The substance can be one that is produced by the body or one that is introduced to the body from the outside. Some toxicologists (scientists who study poisons) state that any substance used in excess can be a poison. This is true even for substances that are generally good for you when used in moderation. A good example would be water. When used in moderation, water is essential to maintaining life and has numerous health benefits. However, consuming too much water in too short a period of time can lead to water poisoning (or water intoxication) which can be deadly because it disturbs the normal balance of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are chemical substances that are able to conduct electricity after they are melted or dissolved in water. They play an important role in the functioning of cells.

Poison can also be defined as a substance that prevents a chemical reaction or inactivates a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction. Thus, if a catalysist is inactivated it prevents it from speeding up a chemical reaction. Poisons can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body in small or large amounts. Poisons are clinically divided into those that respond to specific treatments and those which do not. Researchers continue to develop antidotes for new poisons (such as snakebites), but at present there are relatively few effective antidotes. The most important aspect in treating poisoning is to maintain blood circulation and breathing. Poison comes from the Latin word "potio" meaning "potion."