Unit 2: Principles of Poisoning – Lecture Notes

These flashcards review key definitions, global statistics, exposure categories, and examples of acute vs. chronic effects and poison classifications from the Principles of Poisoning lecture.

What is a poison agent?

Any agent that may cause serious body injury, disease, or death when applied, introduced into, or developed within the body.

How is poisoning defined in toxicology?

The harmful effect that occurs when toxic substances are introduced into the body.

According to WHO data, roughly how many people died from unintentional poisoning in 2004?

About 346,000 people worldwide.

What percentage of 2004 unintentional‐poisoning deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries?

Approximately 91% of the deaths.

How many disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were lost due to unintentional poisoning in 2004?

More than 7.4 million DALYs.

What characterizes acute poisoning?

An excessive single dose (or several small but frequent doses) that causes a prompt and marked disturbance of function or death within a short time.

List three common scenarios that can lead to acute poisoning.

Taking a strong poison, ingesting an excessive single dose of a drug, or taking several small doses close together.

What characterizes chronic poisoning?

Gradual deterioration of tissue function from repeated or long-term exposure, which may or may not lead to death.

Give two ways chronic poisoning can develop.

Regular daily intake of small doses or cumulative buildup of a substance (e.g., certain metal poisons) until a toxic threshold is reached.

In exposure terminology, how long does "acute" exposure last?

Less than 24 hours, generally a single dose.

How is a "subacute" exposure defined?

Repeated exposures for a month or less.

What is meant by "subchronic" exposure?

Repeated exposures lasting 1 to 3 months.

Define "chronic" exposure duration.

Continuous or repeated exposure for more than three months.

What are the acute versus chronic effects of benzene (C6H6)?

Acute exposure causes CNS narcosis, whereas chronic exposure leads to bone-marrow damage and leukemia.

What are the acute versus chronic effects of cigarette smoking?

Acute exposure stimulates the nervous system; chronic exposure causes cancers (mouth, lung, etc.) and emphysema.

What are irritant poisons, and give an example.

Substances that cause tissue necrosis on contact (caustic effects); e.g., acids, alkalis such as sodium hydroxide.

What are neurotic poisons?

Agents that affect the central nervous system, such as hallucinogens and CNS stimulants.

What are asphyxiant poisons and provide examples.

Substances that cause dyspnea or interfere with oxygen uptake; examples include methane gas and carbon monoxide.

What are carcinogenic poisons?

Agents that stimulate the growth of cancer cells, often found in industrial settings.