Types of Poisons and Toxins

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the definitions, mechanisms, and examples of various toxins and poisons including ashyxiants, neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and others based on the lecture transcript.

Asphyxiants

Poisons that disrupt the body's ability to absorb or utilize oxygen at a physical or chemical level.

Simple Asphyxiants

Inert gases that physically displace oxygen in an environment, leaving no oxygen for the lungs to inhale (e.g., Nitrogen gas, Helium, Carbon dioxide).

Chemical Asphyxiants

Poisons that enter the bloodstream and stop blood cells from carrying oxygen, or stop cells from using the oxygen delivered to them (e.g., Carbon monoxide, Cyanide).

Neurotoxins

Poisons that target the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves) by disrupting how nerve cells communicate.

Convulsants (Overstimulation Neurotoxins)

A sub-type of neurotoxin that causes neurons to fire uncontrollably, resulting in rigid, violent muscle spasms and seizures (e.g., Strychnine, Sarin gas).

Paralytics (Blockade Neurotoxins)

A sub-type of neurotoxin that blocks nerve signals from reaching muscles, causing conscious paralysis and eventual respiratory failure (e.g., Tetrodotoxin, Botulinum toxin, Curare).

Hemotoxins

Poisons that target red blood cells and the cardiovascular system, primarily disrupting blood flow or the clotting process.

Coagulopaths

A sub-type of hemotoxin that destroys the blood's ability to clot, leading to massive internal hemorrhaging (e.g., Warfarin, Viper venom).

Hemolytics

A sub-type of hemotoxin that physically ruptures and destroys red blood cells, which subsequently clogs and shuts down the kidneys (e.g., Brown recluse spider venom).

Corrosives / Caustics

Chemicals that destroy living tissue on direct physical contact rather than needing to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Acids (Corrosives)

Chemicals that cause coagulative necrosis, essentially cooking tissue into a hard crust or scab on contact (e.g., Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid).

Bases / Alkalines (Caustics)

Chemicals that cause liquefactive necrosis, dissolving fats and proteins to turn tissue into a soapy liquid, causing deep burns (e.g., Lye, Bleach, Ammonia).

Cytotoxins

Poisons that cause systemic cell death or specifically target the body's internal filtering organs over a period of hours or days.

Hepatotoxins

A sub-type of cytotoxin that specifically targets and destroys liver cells, leading to jaundice and internal bleeding (e.g., Amatoxin from Death Cap mushrooms, extreme acetaminophen doses).

Nephrotoxins

A sub-type of cytotoxin that specifically targets and destroys kidney tissue, stopping the body from filtering waste out of the blood (e.g., Mercury, Lead, Thallium).

Cardiotoxins

Poisons that bind directly to heart muscle cells, altering sodium and calcium balances to cause irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrest (e.g., Foxglove, Oleander, Aconite).

Pneumotoxins (Pulmonary Toxins)

Poisons that specifically target and destroy lung tissue, causing fluid buildup (pulmonary edema) or fibrosis (scarring) when inhaled or ingested (e.g., Phosgene gas, Paraquat, Asbestos).

Myotoxins

Poisons, typically found in snake and lizard venoms, that specifically cause necrosis in muscle tissue, leading to severe pain and muscle breakdown that clogs the kidneys (e.g., Rattlesnake venom, Bothrops venom).

Enterotoxins

Toxins that specifically target the intestines and gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and cellular damage in the gut (e.g., Ricin, Cholera toxin, Staph food poisoning).

Vesicants (Blister Agents)

Highly reactive chemicals that cause severe chemical burns, tissue destruction, and massive, painful water blisters on the skin, eyes, and lungs (e.g., Mustard gas, Lewisite).

Carcinogens

Substances that promote the formation of cancer over a long period by damaging cells or altering cellular metabolism (e.g., Benzene, Asbestos, Formaldehyde).

Mutagens

Physical or chemical agents that change the genetic material (DNA) of an organism, increasing the frequency of mutations above the natural background level (e.g., Radioactive isotopes, X-rays, Bromine gas).

Teratogens

Substances that do not necessarily harm the adult who is exposed to them, but disrupt the development of an embryo or fetus, causing severe birth defects (e.g., Thalidomide, heavy alcohol consumption).

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that mimic or block the body's natural hormones, interfering with development, reproduction, and immune system function over a long period (e.g., BPA, Phthalates).

Sensitizers (Allergens)

Chemicals that cause a massive, sometimes fatal, immune system overreaction (anaphylaxis) after repeated exposure, even if the first exposure caused no symptoms (e.g., Urushiol, Isocyanates).