Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Iron poisoning

    Acute poisoning usually caused by the accidental ingestion (usually by infants or small children) of iron-containing medications intended for use by adults. In the U.S., about 20,000 accidental iron exposures are reported each year. A potentially life-threatening ailment arises from the consumption of excessive quantities of iron supplements, commonly encountered when ingesting iron formulations intended…

  • Herbicide poisoning

    Poisoning due to the use of a toxic herbicide such as 2,4-D.  

  • Hemlock poisoning

    Poisoning from ingesting hemlock Conium maculatum, causing weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, difficult breathing, paralysis, and death.  

  • Heavy metal poisoning

    Toxicity caused by ingestion, inhalation, or absorption of any heavy metal, especially lead or mercury. Symptoms are determined by the type and duration of exposure and may include pulmonary, neurological, integumentary, or gastrointestinal disorders.  

  • Gasoline poisoning

    The reaction of the body to ingested or inhaled gasoline.  

  • Formaldehyde poisoning

    Poisoning due to ingestion of formaldehyde.  

  • Fish poisoning

    A form of food poisoning caused by eating fish that are inherently poisonous or poisonous because they had decomposed, become infected, or had fed on other poisonous life forms.  

  • Ergot poisoning

    A toxic reaction from eating bread made with grain contaminated with the Claviceps purpurea fungus, or from an overdose of ergot.  

  • Digitalis poisoning

    Acute or chronic toxicity due to the cumulative effect of digitalis. Its most common adverse effects include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, atrial tachycardia and other dysrhythmias, atrioventricular heart blocks, confusion, dizziness, or neurological depression. Digitalis toxicity is a potentially life threatening, and frequently a drug-related, complication.  

  • Corrosive poisoning

    Poisoning by strong acids, alkalies, strong antiseptics including bichloride of mercury, carbolic acid (phenol), Lysol, cresol compounds, tincture of iodine, and arsenic compounds. These agents cause tissue damage similar to that caused by burns. If the substances have been swallowed, any part of the alimentary canal may be affected. Tissues involved are easily perforated. Death…