Toxicology and Poisons
Alexis Devillier
Poisons
A poison is a substance that is capable of causing the illness of death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed.
"All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy." -Paracelsus (1493-1541)
Example: Arsenic- when it's by itself (in metallic form) it is not harmful but compounds of arsenic is very harmful and poisonous.
Poisons can be difficult to detect because they are colorless, tasteless, and odorless. The effects of the disease can sometimes mimic those of a natural disease.
Dangerous Poisons
Rat Poison:
-Symptoms: vomiting blood or blood in the urine
-Doctors can test a persons blood or urine to check for a poison
-Tina Beerens in Arizona
Mercury Poison:
-Symptoms: impairment of vision, lack of coordination, and muscle weakness
-Doctors can measure mercury levels in a person's blood
-Alexander Lebedev in Russia