NORTHERN MINDANAO COLLEGES INC.

Atega Street, Cabadbaran City

INTRODUCTION

The concept of poison, laden with connotations of danger, intrigue, and

mortality, has held a captivating grip on human imagination throughout the ages.

From tales of clandestine assassinations to the modern marvels of toxicology, the

subject of poison continues to serve as a source of inexhaustible fascination. A poison

is any substance that causes harm to the body when ingested, inhaled, absorbed

through the skin, or injected. Poisons can be natural or synthetic, and they can be

found in a variety of places, including plants, animals, household products, and

industrial chemicals. Poisoning can be accidental or intentional. Accidental poisoning

is more common, and it often occurs in children who are exploring their environment.

Intentional poisoning is less common, but it can occur in cases of suicide or homicide.

Poisoning can be a serious medical emergency. If you think someone has been

poisoned, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The severity of

poisoning depends on a number of factors, including the type of poison, the dose, and

the route of exposure. Some poisons can cause death, while others may cause only

minor symptoms. Poison, often synonymous with danger, intrigue, and death, has

been a subject of human fascination for centuries. From the historical applications of

toxic substances to the modern science of toxicology, the study of poisons remains a

vital and intriguing field. Throughout history, poison has fascinated and frightened

people. From stories of deadly plots to scientific discoveries, poison's influence is

profound. This research paper aims to provide an overview of the history, types,

effects, and contemporary significance of poisons, shedding light on their

multifaceted nature.
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Atega Street, Cabadbaran City

CONTEXT/BODY

Historical Significance

Poisons have been used for a myriad of purposes throughout history, ranging

from assassination attempts to medicinal applications. The infamous "Borgia poison

ring" exemplifies the sinister use of poisons during the Renaissance, while Paracelsus,

a 16th-century Swiss physician, played a pioneering role in advancing the therapeutic

use of poisons in controlled doses.

Classification and Types

Poisons can be classified into various categories, including chemical, biological, and

radioactive. Common chemical poisons encompass substances like arsenic and

cyanide, while biological poisons include venomous creatures and toxic plants. The

advent of nuclear technology has added a new dimension to toxic substance with

radioactive poisons posing unique challenges. There are many different types of

poisons, and they can be classified in a number of ways. One common way to classify

poisons is by their mechanism of action. Poisons can be classified as Systemic

poisons. These poisons affect the entire body. Examples include carbon monoxide,

cyanide, and strychnine. Another classification of poison is Local poisons.These

poisons affect the area of the body where they come into contact. Examples include

corrosive acids and bases, and some insect bites. Neurotoxic poison is another

classification of poison. These poisons affect the nervous system. Examples include

organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, and botulism toxin. Another classification

is the Cardiotoxic poisons. These poisons affect the heart. Examples include digoxin

and beta-blockers. It can also be classified as Nephrotoxic poisons. These poisons

affect the kidneys. Examples include aminoglycoside antibiotics and ethylene glycol.

Another way to classify poisons is by their source. Poisons can be classified as

Natural poisonswhich are found in nature. Examples include plant toxins, animal

toxins, and snake venom. Synthetic poisons on the other hand are created by humans.

Examples include pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. The specific types

of poisons that are most common in a particular location will vary depending on the

environment and the industries that are present. For example, in Butuan City,

Philippines, it is likely that the most common types of poison would be pesticides and

herbicides, as these are widely used in the agricultural sector.

Effects on Organisms

The impact of poisons on living organisms varies widely. Some poisons can

cause immediate and severe harm, while others may lead to chronic health issues or

death over time. Understanding the mechanisms behind these effects is critical in both

toxicology and forensic science.

Contemporary Significance

In the modern era, poison continues to shape our lives, though in different

ways. Industrial chemicals, environmental pollutants, and even chemical warfare

agents are constant concerns. Furthermore, advancements in toxicology and antidote

development have contributed to public safety, mitigating the dangers posed by

poisons. Some poisons are more dangerous to the public than others. For example,
 NORTHERN MINDANAO COLLEGES INC.
Atega Street, Cabadbaran City

cyanide is a highly toxic gas that can kill people within minutes of exposure. Other

poisons, such as lead, are less toxic but can still cause serious health problems,

especially in children. The amount of poison released also plays a role in determining

the danger to the public. A large release of a poison is more likely to cause harm than

a small release. The route of exposure also affects the danger to the public. Poisons

that are inhaled or ingested are more likely to cause harm than poisons that are

absorbed through the skin. The vulnerability of the exposed population also affects

the danger to the public. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the harmful

effects of poisons than adults.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Poisons can cause a wide range of harms to the public, including death,

serious illness, and long-term health problems. Poisons can be generated in a number

of ways, including accidental releases, intentional releases, and natural disasters. The

generation of danger to the public from poisons depends on a number of factors,

including the type of poison, the amount of poison released, the route of exposure,

and the vulnerability of the exposed population. Poison can also be found in crime

scenes. The type of poison found in a crime scene can provide valuable information to

investigators, such as the likely method of administration, the time of death, and the

potential suspects. Some of the most common poisons found in crime scenes include

arsenic. Arsenic is a tasteless, odorless powder that can be ingested or inhaled. It is a

slow-acting poison that can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting,

diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In high doses, arsenic can be fatal. Cyanide can also be

found in crime scenes. Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that can be ingested, inhaled, or
 NORTHERN MINDANAO COLLEGES INC.
Atega Street, Cabadbaran City

absorbed through the skin. It blocks the body's ability to use oxygen, leading to death

within minutes. Strychnine can also be found incrime scene. Strychnine is a poison

that is derived from the seeds of the strychnos nux-vomica tree. It can be ingested or

inhaled. Strychnine causes muscle spasms, which can become so severe that they lead

to death. A use Carbon monoxide as poison can also be found incrime scene. Carbon

monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion

of carbon-based fuels. It can be inhaled from car exhaust, gas stoves, and other

sources. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing it from

carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. In high doses, carbon monoxide can be fatal. In

addition to these common poisons, there are many other substances that can be used

to poison someone. Some poisons are more difficult to detect than others, and some

may not be detectable in the body after death. Investigators will collect samples of the

poison and the victim's body fluids and tissues for analysis. This analysis can help to

identify the type of poison used, the route of administration, and the estimated time of

death. Once the type of poison has been identified, investigators can use this

information to narrow down the list of potential suspects and to determine the motive

for the crime. In some cases, it may not be possible to identify the type of poison

used. This is often true when the poison is a rare or unusual substance, or when the

body has been decomposed. However, even in these cases, investigators may be able

to gain valuable information by analyzing the victim's body fluids and tissues for

signs of poisoning. In conclusion, poison is a subject of enduring fascination, marked

by its historical intrigue, diverse classifications, and multifaceted effects on living

organisms. The significance of poison in contemporary society, from the perspective

of public health and safety, cannot be understated. While the nefarious use of poisons
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Atega Street, Cabadbaran City

persists, the advancement of toxicology and our understanding of poisons have also

played pivotal roles in safeguarding human well-being.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for poisoning. The treatment will vary

depending on the type of poison, the dose, and the route of exposure. In some cases,

the only treatment is supportive care, such as providing oxygen and fluids. In other

cases, antidotes may be available.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

American Association of Poison Control Centers. (2023). Poison control: A guide for

poison prevention and treatment.

Goldfrank, L. S., Flomenbaum, N. E., & Hoffman, R. S. (2020). Goldfrank's

toxicologic emergencies. McGraw-Hill Medical.

Poisindex. (2023). Poisindex: A comprehensive database of poisons and antidotes.

Micromedex.