A poison is any chemical substance that is harmful or lethal to living organisms . The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broad sense.
90-423: Whether something is considered a poison or not may depend on the amount, the circumstances, and what living things are present. Poisoning could be accidental or deliberate, and if the cause can be identified there may be ways to neutralise the effects or minimise the symptoms . In biology , a poison is a chemical substance causing death , injury or harm to organisms or their parts. In medicine , poisons are
180-478: A poison is a substance that obstructs or inhibits a nuclear reaction. Environmentally hazardous substances are not necessarily poisons, and vice versa. For example, food-industry wastewater—which may contain potato juice or milk—can be hazardous to the ecosystems of streams and rivers by consuming oxygen and causing eutrophication , but is nonhazardous to humans and not classified as a poison. Biologically speaking, any substance, if given in large enough amounts,
270-435: A biochemical target, compounds described in patents or literature, or biocontrol organisms. Compounds that are active in the screening process, known as hits or leads, cannot be used as pesticides, except for biocontrol organisms and some potent natural products. These lead compounds need to be optimised by a series of cycles of synthesis and testing of analogs. For approval by regulatory authorities for use as pesticides,
360-1230: A bite or sting through a venom apparatus , such as fangs or a stinger , in a process called envenomation , whereas poisons are toxins that are passively delivered by being swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Unantidoteable refers to toxins that cannot be neutralized by modern medical technology, regardless of their type. Industry , agriculture , and other sectors employ many poisonous substances, usually for reasons other than their toxicity to humans. (e.g. feeding chickens arsenic antihelminths), solvents (e.g. rubbing alcohol, turpentine), cleaners (e.g. bleach, ammonia), coatings (e.g. Arsenic wallpaper), and so on. For example, many poisons are important feedstocks . The toxicity itself sometimes has economic value, when it serves agricultural purposes of weed control and pest control . Most poisonous industrial compounds have associated material safety data sheets and are classified as hazardous substances . Hazardous substances are subject to extensive regulation on production, procurement, and use in overlapping domains of occupational safety and health , public health , drinking water quality standards , air pollution , and environmental protection . Due to
450-616: A brief period, with symptoms manifesting within 14 days since administration. Chronic toxicity/poisoning involves a living organism being exposed to a toxin on multiple instances over an extended period of time, whereas the symptoms either develop gradually or after a protracted latent period . Chronic poisoning most commonly occurs following exposure to poisons that bioaccumulate , or are biomagnified , such as mercury , gadolinium , and lead . In 2020, America's Poison Centers' NPDS (National Poison Data System) report determined that 76.9% of recorded toxin exposures were accidental, with
540-453: A chemical defense developed by Theobroma cacao can be incidentally fatal nevertheless. Many omnivores, including humans, readily consume edible fungi , and thus many fungi have evolved to become decisively inedible , in this case as a direct defense. Chronic poisoning is long-term repeated or continuous exposure to a poison where symptoms do not occur immediately or after each exposure. The person gradually becomes ill, or becomes ill after
630-403: A genre of toxic agents that act specifically against the nervous system. Inhaled or ingested cyanide (or Zyklon B ) was used as a method of execution in gas chambers . This method of poisoning instantly starved the body of energy by inhibiting the enzymes in mitochondria that produce ATP . Intravenous injection of an unnaturally high concentration of potassium chloride , such as in
720-620: A kind of toxin that are delivered passively, not actively. In industry the term may be negative, something to be removed to make a thing safe, or positive, an agent to limit unwanted pests . In ecological terms , poisons introduced into the environment can later cause unwanted effects elsewhere, or in other parts of the food chain . In broad metaphorical (colloquial) usage of the term, "poison" may refer to anything deemed harmful. In biology , poisons are substances that can cause death , injury, or harm to organs , tissues , cells , and DNA usually by chemical reactions or other activity on
810-924: A long latent period. Chronic poisoning most commonly occurs following exposure to poisons that bioaccumulate , or are biomagnified , such as mercury , gadolinium , and lead . In 2010, poisoning resulted in about 180,000 deaths down from 200,000 in 1990. There were approximately 727,500 emergency department visits in the United States involving poisonings—3.3% of all injury-related encounters. Poisonous compounds may be useful either for their toxicity, or, more often, because of another chemical property, such as specific chemical reactivity. Poisons are widely used in industry and agriculture, as chemical reagents, solvents or complexing reagents, e.g. carbon monoxide , methanol and sodium cyanide , respectively. They are less common in household use, with occasional exceptions such as ammonia and methanol . For instance, phosgene
900-501: A notorious criminal case in Pennsylvania, U.S.; the phrase dates to 1898. Poisoning Poisoning is the harmful effect which occurs when toxic substances are introduced into the body. The term "poisoning" is a derivative of poison , a term describing any chemical substance that may harm or kill a living organism upon ingestion . Poisoning can be brought on by swallowing, inhaling, injecting or absorbing toxins through
990-538: A pesticide is a chemical or biological agent (such as a virus , bacterium , or fungus ) that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise discourages pests. Target pests can include insects, plant pathogens , weeds, molluscs , birds , mammals , fish , nematodes (roundworms), and microbes that destroy property, cause nuisance, or spread disease, or are disease vectors . Along with these benefits, pesticides also have drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans and other species. The word pesticide derives from
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#17327766231321080-401: A pesticide was first seen in the 1920s with inorganic pesticides, and later it was found that development of resistance is to be expected, and measures to delay it are important. Integrated pest management (IPM) was introduced in the 1950s. By careful analysis and spraying only when an economical or biological threshold of crop damage is reached, pesticide application is reduced. This became in
1170-445: A poison as such, but to turn the body's natural defenses against itself. Poison can also enter the body through faulty medical implants , or by injection (which is the basis of lethal injection in the context of capital punishment ). In 2013, 3.3 million cases of unintentional human poisonings occurred. This resulted in 98,000 deaths worldwide, down from 120,000 deaths in 1990. In modern society, cases of suspicious death elicit
1260-451: A primary food source. Selective toxicity, controlled application, and controlled biodegradation are major challenges in herbicide and pesticide development and in chemical engineering generally, as all lifeforms on earth share an underlying biochemistry ; organisms exceptional in their environmental resilience are classified as extremophiles , these for the most part exhibiting radically different susceptibilities. A poison which enters
1350-595: A variety of natural or synthetic substances. Substances that destroy tissue but do not absorb, such as lye , are classified as corrosives rather than poisons. Acute poisoning is exposure to a poison on one occasion or during a short period of time. Symptoms develop in close relation to the exposure. Absorption of a poison is necessary for systemic poisoning. Furthermore, many common household medications are not labeled with skull and crossbones, although they can cause severe illness or even death. Poisoning can be caused by excessive consumption of generally safe substances, as in
1440-691: Is a highly reactive nucleophile acceptor, which makes it an excellent reagent for polymerizing diols and diamines to produce polycarbonate and polyurethane plastics. For this use, millions of tons are produced annually. However, the same reactivity makes it also highly reactive towards proteins in human tissue and thus highly toxic. In fact, phosgene has been used as a chemical weapon . It can be contrasted with mustard gas , which has only been produced for chemical weapons uses, as it has no particular industrial use. Biocides need not be poisonous to humans, because they can target metabolic pathways absent in humans, leaving only incidental toxicity. For instance,
1530-638: Is also distinct from toxicity itself. For instance, the preservative thiomersal used in vaccines is toxic, but the quantity administered in a single shot is negligible. Throughout human history, intentional application of poison has been used as a method of murder , pest-control , suicide , and execution . As a method of execution, poison has been ingested, as the ancient Athenians did (see Socrates ), inhaled, as with carbon monoxide or hydrogen cyanide (see gas chamber ), injected (see lethal injection ), or even as an enema . Poison's lethal effect can be combined with its allegedly magical powers; an example
1620-400: Is any poison produced by an organism, such as the bacterial proteins that cause tetanus and botulism . A distinction between the two terms is not always observed, even among scientists. The derivative forms "toxic" and "poisonous" are synonymous. Animal poisons delivered subcutaneously (e.g., by sting or bite ) are also called venom . In normal usage, a poisonous organism is one that
1710-455: Is becoming widespread and has been used with success in countries such as Indonesia , China , Bangladesh , the U.S., Australia , and Mexico . IPM attempts to recognize the more widespread impacts of an action on an ecosystem , so that natural balances are not upset. Each use of a pesticide carries some associated risk. Proper pesticide use decreases these associated risks to a level deemed acceptable by pesticide regulatory agencies such as
1800-527: Is chemically converted to toxic formaldehyde and formic acid in the liver . Many drug molecules are made toxic in the liver, and the genetic variability of certain liver enzymes makes the toxicity of many compounds differ between individuals. Exposure to radioactive substances can produce radiation poisoning , an unrelated phenomenon. Two common cases of acute natural poisoning are theobromine poisoning of dogs and cats , and mushroom poisoning in humans. Dogs and cats are not natural herbivores, but
1890-410: Is harmful to consume, but a venomous organism uses venom to kill its prey or defend itself while still alive. A single organism can be both poisonous and venomous, but it is rare. All living things produce substances to protect them from getting eaten, so the term "poison" is usually only used for substances which are poisonous to humans, while substances that mainly are poisonous to a common pathogen to
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#17327766231321980-475: Is poisonous and can cause death. For instance, several kilograms worth of water would constitute a lethal dose . Many substances used as medications—such as fentanyl —have an LD 50 only one order of magnitude greater than the ED50 . An alternative classification distinguishes between lethal substances that provide a therapeutic value and those that do not. Poisoning can be either acute or chronic, and caused by
2070-456: Is similarly challenging, yet well documented in developing countries. Because of critical development periods of the fetus and newborn children, these non-working populations are more vulnerable to the effects of pesticides, and may be at increased risk of developing neurocognitive effects and impaired development. While measuring biomarkers or markers of biological effects may provide more accurate estimates of exposure, collecting these data in
2160-474: Is substantial evidence of associations between organophosphate insecticide exposures and neurobehavioral alterations. Limited evidence also exists for other negative outcomes from pesticide exposure including neurological, birth defects , and fetal death . The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting exposure of children to pesticides and using safer alternatives: Pesticides are also found in majority of U.S. households with 88 million out of
2250-524: Is the Chinese gu poison . Poison was also employed in gunpowder warfare . For example, the 14th-century Chinese text of the Huolongjing written by Jiao Yu outlined the use of a poisonous gunpowder mixture to fill cast iron grenade bombs. While arsenic is a naturally occurring environmental poison, its artificial concentrate was once nicknamed inheritance powder . In Medieval Europe, it
2340-414: Is their toxicity to various insects and other animals deemed to be pests (e.g., rats and cockroaches ). Natural pesticides have been used for this purpose for thousands of years (e.g. concentrated table salt is toxic to many slugs and snails ). Bioaccumulation of chemically-prepared agricultural insecticides is a matter of concern for the many species, especially birds , which consume insects as
2430-504: Is to find new compounds or agents with improved properties such as a new mode of action or lower application rate. Another aim is to replace older pesticides which have been banned for reasons of toxicity or environmental harm or have become less effective due to development of resistance . The process starts with testing (screening) against target organisms such as insects , fungi or plants . Inputs are typically random compounds, natural products , compounds designed to disrupt
2520-483: Is widespread in Latin America , as around US$ 3 billion are spent each year in the region. Records indicate an increase in the frequency of pesticide poisonings over the past two decades. The most common incidents of pesticide poisoning is thought to result from exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. At-home pesticide use, use of unregulated products, and the role of undocumented workers within
2610-598: The UN Environment Programme estimate that 3 million agricultural workers in the developing world experience severe poisoning from pesticides each year, resulting in 18,000 deaths. According to one study, as many as 25 million workers in developing countries may suffer mild pesticide poisoning yearly. Other occupational exposures besides agricultural workers, including pet groomers, groundskeepers , and fumigators , may also put individuals at risk of health effects from pesticides. Pesticide use
2700-624: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Canada. DDT , sprayed on the walls of houses, is an organochlorine that has been used to fight malaria vectors (mosquitos) since the 1940s. The World Health Organization recommend this approach. It and other organochlorine pesticides have been banned in most countries worldwide because of their persistence in
2790-434: The environment or the food chain in order to be approved by the authorities. Persistent pesticides, including DDT , were banned many years ago , an exception being spraying in houses to combat malaria vectors . From biblical times until the 1950s the pesticides used were inorganic compounds and plant extracts . The inorganic compounds were derivatives of copper , arsenic , mercury, sulfur , among others, and
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2880-523: The enzymes in mitochondria that make ATP . Intravenous injection of an unnaturally high concentration of potassium chloride , such as in the execution of prisoners in parts of the United States, quickly stops the heart by eliminating the cell potential necessary for muscle contraction . Most biocides, including pesticides , are created to act as acute poisons to target organisms, although acute or less observable chronic poisoning can also occur in non-target organisms ( secondary poisoning ), including
2970-488: The food chain —whether of industrial, agricultural, or natural origin—might not be immediately toxic to the first organism that ingests the toxin, but can become further concentrated in predatory organisms further up the food chain, particularly carnivores and omnivores , especially concerning fat soluble poisons which tend to become stored in biological tissue rather than excreted in urine or other water-based effluents . Apart from food, many poisons readily enter
3060-422: The humans who apply the biocides and other beneficial organisms . For example, the herbicide 2,4-D imitates the action of a plant hormone, which makes its lethal toxicity specific to plants. Indeed, 2,4-D is not a poison, but classified as "harmful" (EU). Many substances regarded as poisons are toxic only indirectly, by toxication . An example is "wood alcohol" or methanol , which is not poisonous itself, but
3150-479: The liver . Many drug molecules are made toxic in the liver, and the genetic variability of certain liver enzymes makes the toxicity of many compounds differ between people. As mandated in GHS , various safety-orientated government agencies from around the globe have put into place the usage of pictograms when labelling toxic substances. The hazard symbol which labels a substance as capable of poisoning depicts
3240-442: The molecular scale, when an organism is exposed to a sufficient quantity. Medicinal fields (particularly veterinary medicine ) and zoology often distinguish poisons from toxins and venoms . Both poisons and venoms are toxins, which are toxicants produced by organisms in nature. The difference between venom and poison is the delivery method of the toxin. Venoms are toxins that are actively delivered by being injected via
3330-499: The phloem or both. Non-systemic pesticides (contact pesticides) remain on the surface and act through direct contact with the target organism. Pesticides are more effective if they are systemic. Systemicity is a prerequisite for the pesticide to be used as a seed-treatment. Pesticides can be classified as persistent (non-biodegradable) or non-persistent ( biodegradable ). A pesticide must be persistent enough to kill or control its target but must degrade fast enough not to accumulate in
3420-611: The placenta during gestation, or through breast milk during nursing . In contrast, radiological damage can be passed from mother or father to offspring through genetic mutation , which—if not fatal in miscarriage or childhood , or a direct cause of infertility —can then be passed along again to a subsequent generation. Atmospheric radon is a natural radiological poison of increasing impact since humans moved from hunter-gatherer lifestyles and cave dwelling to increasingly enclosed structures able to contain radon in dangerous concentrations. The 2006 poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko
3510-470: The 121.1 million households indicating that they use some form of pesticide in 2012. As of 2007, there were more than 1,055 active ingredients registered as pesticides, which yield over 20,000 pesticide products that are marketed in the United States. Owing to inadequate regulation and safety precautions, 99% of pesticide-related deaths occur in developing countries that account for only 25% of pesticide usage. One study found pesticide self-poisoning
3600-434: The 18th century. The term " poison ivy ", for example, was first used in 1784 and the term " poison oak " was first used in 1743. The term " poison gas " was first used in 1915. The term "poison" is often used colloquially to describe any harmful substance—particularly corrosive substances, carcinogens , mutagens , teratogens and harmful pollutants , and to exaggerate the dangers of chemicals. Paracelsus (1493–1541),
3690-538: The 2000s and less than 40 in the 2010s. Biopesticides are cheaper to develop, since the authorities require less toxicological and environmental study. Since 2000 the rate of new biological product introduction has frequently exceeded that of conventional products. More than 25% of existing chemical pesticides contain one or more chiral centres (stereogenic centres). Newer pesticides with lower application rates tend to have more complex structures, and thus more often contain chiral centres. In cases when most or all of
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3780-456: The 2020s the official policy of international organisations, industry, and many governments. With the introduction of high yielding varieties in the 1960s in the green revolution , more pesticides were used. Since the 1980s genetically modified crops were introduced, which resulted in lower amounts of insecticides used on them. Organic agriculture, which uses only non-synthetic pesticides, has grown and in 2020 represents about 1.5 per cent of
3870-477: The English term comes from the "...Old French poison, puison (12c., Modern French poison) "a drink", especially a medical drink, later "a (magic) potion, poisonous drink" (14c.), from Latin potionem (nominative potio) "a drinking, a drink", also "poisonous drink" (Cicero), from potare "to drink". The use of "poison" as an adjective ("poisonous") dates from the 1520s. Using the word "poison" with plant names dates from
3960-619: The Latin pestis (plague) and caedere (kill). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has defined pesticide as: Pesticides can be classified by target organism (e.g., herbicides , insecticides , fungicides , rodenticides , and pediculicides – see table), Biopesticides according to the EPA include microbial pesticides, biochemical pesticides, and plant-incorporated protectants. Pesticides can be classified into structural classes, with many structural classes developed for each of
4050-703: The USA (457 kt) was the second-largest user. Applications per cropland area in 2021 varied widely, from 10.9 kg/ hectare in Brazil to 0.8 kg/ha in the Russian Federation. The level in Brazil was about twice as high as in Argentina (5.6 kg/ha) and Indonesia (5.3 kg/ha). Insecticide use in the US has declined by more than half since 1980 (0.6%/yr), mostly due to the near phase-out of organophosphates . In corn fields,
4140-595: The Workplace". Better understanding of how pesticides elicit their toxic effects is needed before this method of exposure assessment can be applied to occupational exposure of agricultural workers. Alternative methods to assess exposure include questionnaires to discern from participants whether they are experiencing symptoms associated with pesticide poisoning. Self-reported symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, joint pain, or respiratory symptoms. Multiple challenges exist in assessing exposure to pesticides in
4230-572: The agricultural industry makes characterizing true pesticide exposure a challenge. It is estimated that 50–80% of pesticide poisoning cases are unreported. Underreporting of pesticide poisoning is especially common in areas where agricultural workers are less likely to seek care from a healthcare facility that may be monitoring or tracking the incidence of acute poisoning. The extent of unintentional pesticide poisoning may be much greater than available data suggest, particularly among developing countries. Globally, agriculture and food production remain one of
4320-520: The attention of the Coroner 's office and forensic investigators . Of increasing concern since the isolation of natural radium by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898—and the subsequent advent of nuclear physics and nuclear technologies—are radiological poisons . These are associated with ionizing radiation , a mode of toxicity quite distinct from chemically active poisons. In mammals , chemical poisons are often passed from mother to offspring through
4410-424: The body through the skin and lungs . Hydrofluoric acid is a notorious contact poison, in addition to its corrosive damage. Naturally occurring sour gas is a fast-acting atmospheric poison, which can be released by volcanic activity or drilling rigs . Plant-based contact irritants, such as that possessed by poison ivy , are often classed as allergens rather than poisons; the effect of an allergen being not
4500-632: The breakdown of acetylcholine at the neural synapse . Excess acetylcholine can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps or tremors, confusion, dizziness and nausea. Studies show that farm workers in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe have decreased concentrations of plasma acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine acting on synapses throughout the nervous system . Other studies in Ethiopia have observed reduced respiratory function among farm workers who spray crops with pesticides. Numerous exposure pathways for farm workers increase
4590-410: The case of water intoxication . Agents that act on the nervous system can paralyze in seconds or less, and include both biologically derived neurotoxins and so-called nerve gases , which may be synthesized for warfare or industry. Inhaled or ingested cyanide , used as a method of execution in gas chambers , or as a suicide method , almost instantly starves the body of energy by inhibiting
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#17327766231324680-403: The compound is metabolized and eliminated from the body, and provide insights into the timing of exposure. Markers of biological effect provide an estimation of exposure based on cellular activities related to the mechanism of action. For example, many studies investigating exposure to pesticides often involve the quantification of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme at the neural synapse to determine
4770-746: The cost side of pesticide use there can be costs to the environment and costs to human health. Pesticides safety education and pesticide applicator regulation are designed to protect the public from pesticide misuse , but do not eliminate all misuse. Reducing the use of pesticides and choosing less toxic pesticides may reduce risks placed on society and the environment from pesticide use. Pesticides may affect health negatively. mimicking hormones causing reproductive problems, and also causing cancer. A 2007 systematic review found that "most studies on non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia showed positive associations with pesticide exposure" and thus concluded that cosmetic use of pesticides should be decreased. There
4860-505: The decline was even steeper, due to the switchover to transgenic Bt corn . Pesticides increase agricultural yields and lower costs. One study found that not using pesticides reduced crop yields by about 10%. Another study, conducted in 1999, found that a ban on pesticides in the United States may result in a rise of food prices , loss of jobs, and an increase in world hunger. There are two levels of benefits for pesticide use, primary and secondary. Primary benefits are direct gains from
4950-502: The environment and human toxicity. DDT has become less effective, as resistance was identified in Africa as early as 1955, and by 1972 nineteen species of mosquito worldwide were resistant to DDT. Total pesticides use in agriculture in 2021 was 3.54 million tonnes of active ingredients (Mt), a 4 percent increase with respect to 2020, an 11 percent increase in a decade, and a doubling since 1990. Pesticides use per area of cropland in 2021
5040-409: The exact biological mechanism which the pesticide disrupts. The modes of action are important for resistance management, and are categorized and administered by the insecticide , herbicide , and fungicide resistance action committees. Pesticides may be systemic or non-systemic. A systemic pesticide moves (translocates) inside the plant. Translocation may be upward in the xylem , or downward in
5130-458: The execution of prisoners in parts of the United States, quickly stops the heart by eliminating the cell potential necessary for muscle contraction . Most biocides, including pesticides , are created to act as poisons to target organisms. Although acute or less observable chronic poisoning can also occur in non-target organisms ( secondary poisoning ), including the humans who apply the biocides and other beneficial organisms . For example,
5220-469: The father of toxicology , once wrote: "Everything is poison, there is poison in everything. Only the dose makes a thing not a poison " (see median lethal dose ). The term "poison" is also used in a figurative sense: "His brother's presence poisoned the atmosphere at the party". The law defines "poison" more strictly. Substances not legally required to carry the label "poison" can also cause a medical condition of poisoning. Some poisons are also toxins, which
5310-589: The field is often impractical and many methods are not sensitive enough to detect low-level concentrations. Rapid cholinesterase test kits exist to collect blood samples in the field. Conducting large scale assessments of agricultural workers in remote regions of developing countries makes the implementation of these kits a challenge. The cholinesterase assay is a useful clinical tool to assess individual exposure and acute toxicity. Considerable variability in baseline enzyme activity among individuals makes it difficult to compare field measurements of cholinesterase activity to
5400-608: The general population, and many others that are specific to occupational exposures of agricultural workers. Beyond farm workers, estimating exposure to family members and children presents additional challenges, and may occur through "take-home" exposure from pesticide residues collected on clothing or equipment belonging to parent farm workers and inadvertently brought into the home. Children may also be exposed to pesticides prenatally from mothers who are exposed to pesticides during pregnancy. Characterizing children's exposure resulting from drift of airborne and spray application of pesticides
5490-505: The growth of the pesticide industry. During this period, it became increasingly evident that DDT, which had been sprayed widely in the environment to combat the vector, had accumulated in the food chain . It had become a global pollutant, as summarized in the well-known book Silent Spring .Finally, DDT was banned in the 1970s in several countries, and subsequently all persistent pesticides were banned worldwide, an exception being spraying on interior walls for vector control. Resistance to
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#17327766231325580-421: The herbicide 2,4-D imitates the action of a plant hormone, which makes its lethal toxicity specific to plants. Indeed, 2,4-D is not a poison, but is classified as harmful. Many substances regarded as poisons are toxic only indirectly through toxication . An example is "wood alcohol" or methanol , which is not poisonous itself but is chemically converted to toxic formaldehyde and formic acid once it reaches
5670-434: The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is a mimic of a plant growth hormone, which causes uncontrollable growth leading to the death of the plant. Humans and animals, lacking this hormone and its receptor, are unaffected by this, and need to ingest relatively large doses before any toxicity appears. Human toxicity is, however, hard to avoid with pesticides targeting mammals, such as rodenticides . The risk from toxicity
5760-456: The imagery of a human skull in front of two bones crossing one another. GHS precautionary statements , which advise users to exercise caution or be aware of the substance's potentially dangerous features, are added to a legal toxins' labelling. Toxic substances can also come with instructions on how to handle the product, what compounds to avoid mixing the product with, and how to treat a victim at risk of poisoning who has come in contact with
5850-539: The largest industries. In East Africa, the agricultural industry represents one of the largest sectors of the economy, with nearly 80% of its population relying on agriculture for income. Farmers in these communities rely on pesticide products to maintain high crop yields. Some East Africa governments are shifting to corporate farming , and opportunities for foreign conglomerates to operate commercial farms have led to more accessible research on pesticide use and exposure among workers. In other areas where large proportions of
5940-440: The magnitude of the inhibitory effect of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Another method of quantifying exposure involves measuring, at the molecular level, the amount of pesticide interacting with the site of action. These methods are more commonly used for occupational exposures where the mechanism of action is better understood, as described by WHO guidelines published in "Biological Monitoring of Chemical Exposure in
6030-557: The mechanics of molecular diffusion , many poisonous compounds rapidly diffuse into biological tissues , air, water, or soil on a molecular scale. By the principle of entropy , chemical contamination is typically costly or infeasible to reverse, unless specific chelating agents or micro-filtration processes are available. Chelating agents are often broader in scope than the acute target, and therefore their ingestion necessitates careful medical or veterinarian supervision. Pesticides are one group of substances whose prime purpose
6120-412: The method of choice in one third of suicides worldwide, and recommended, among other things, more restrictions on the types of pesticides that are most harmful to humans. A 2014 epidemiological review found associations between autism and exposure to certain pesticides, but noted that the available evidence was insufficient to conclude that the relationship was causal. The World Health Organization and
6210-416: The optimized compounds must meet several requirements. In addition to being potent (low application rate), they must show low toxicity to non-target organisms, low environmental impact, and viable manufacturing cost. The cost of developing a pesticide in 2022 was estimated to be 350 million US dollars. It has become more difficult to find new pesticides. More than 100 new active ingredients were introduced in
6300-414: The organism and humans are considered antibiotics . Bacteria are for example a common adversary for Penicillium chrysogenum mold and humans, and since the mold's poison only targets bacteria, humans use it for getting rid of it in their bodies. Human antimicrobial peptides which are toxic to viruses, fungi, bacteria, and cancerous cells are considered a part of the immune system. In nuclear physics ,
6390-412: The parent compound or its metabolites in various types of media: urine, blood, serum. Biomarkers may include a direct measurement of the compound in the body before it's been biotransformed during metabolism. Other suitable biomarkers may include the metabolites of the parent compound after they've been biotransformed during metabolism. Toxicokinetic data can provide more detailed information on how quickly
6480-1144: The partial bans on neonicotinoids . Revised 2023 guidance by registration authorities describes the bee testing that is required for new insecticides to be approved for commercial use. In addition to their main use in agriculture , pesticides have a number of other applications. Pesticides are used to control organisms that are considered to be harmful, or pernicious to their surroundings. For example, they are used to kill mosquitoes that can transmit potentially deadly diseases like West Nile virus , yellow fever , and malaria . They can also kill bees , wasps or ants that can cause allergic reactions. Insecticides can protect animals from illnesses that can be caused by parasites such as fleas . Pesticides can prevent sickness in humans that could be caused by moldy food or diseased produce. Herbicides can be used to clear roadside weeds, trees, and brush. They can also kill invasive weeds that may cause environmental damage. Herbicides are commonly applied in ponds and lakes to control algae and plants such as water grasses that can interfere with activities like swimming and fishing and cause
6570-554: The pesticidal activity in a new compound is found in one enantiomer (the eutomer ), the registration and use of the compound as this single enantiomer is preferred. This reduces the total application rate and avoids the tedious environmental testing required when registering a racemate. However if a viable enantioselective manufacturing route cannot be found, then the racemate is registered and used. Insecticides with systemic activity against sucking pests, which are safe to pollinators , are sought after, particularly in view of
6660-399: The plant extracts contained pyrethrum , nicotine , and rotenone among others. The less toxic of these are still in use in organic farming . In the 1940s the insecticide DDT , and the herbicide 2,4-D , were introduced. These synthetic organic compounds were widely used and were very profitable. They were followed in the 1950s and 1960s by numerous other synthetic pesticides, which led to
6750-402: The poisoning, the patient's age, weight, and any other drugs they may be taking in addition to the symptoms of the illness. Try to determine what was ingested, the amount and how long since the person was exposed to it. If possible, have on hand the pill bottle, medication package or other suspect container. The treatment will depend on the substance to which the patient is exposed. Depending on
6840-531: The population rely on subsistence, small-scale farming, estimating pesticide use and exposure is more difficult. Pesticides may exhibit toxic effects on humans and other non-target species, the severity of which depends on the frequency and magnitude of exposure. Toxicity also depends on the rate of absorption, distribution within the body, metabolism, and elimination of compounds from the body. Commonly used pesticides like organophosphates and carbamates act by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity, which prevents
6930-431: The prior ecology (especially if the prior ecology was associated with human economic value or an established industry such as shellfish harvesting). The scientific disciplines of ecology and environmental resource management study the environmental life cycle of toxic compounds and their complex, diffuse, and highly interrelated effects. The word "poison" was first used in 1200 to mean "a deadly potion or substance";
7020-449: The product. Various poison control centers are also available to assist in diagnosing, managing, and preventing possible incidents of poisoning. Many are accessible through phone calls or official websites . Seeking medical attention is strongly advised if someone is thought to have been exposed to or consumed a poison, mainly from a nearby poison control centre. It is advised to provide medical personnel with information regarding
7110-525: The rest of the statistics either being deliberate or unexpected. A large portion of these accidental incidents occurred due to mistakenly taking the incorrect medicine, or doubling one's dose by mistake. Nerve gases are synthetic substances used in industry or warfare that are specifically engineered to bring harm to living organisms. They may paralyze a person in a matter of seconds or cease organ function, quickly resulting in death .They're considered to be biologically derived neurotoxins , which are
7200-421: The risk of pesticide poisoning, including dermal absorption walking through fields and applying products, as well as inhalation exposure. There are multiple approaches to measuring a person's exposure to pesticides, each of which provides an estimate of an individual's internal dose. Two broad approaches include measuring biomarkers and markers of biological effect. The former involves taking direct measurement of
7290-400: The skin. Toxicology is the practice and study of symptoms, mechanisms, diagnoses, and treatments correlated to poisoning. When a living organism is introduced to a poison, the symptoms that follow successful contact develop in close relation to the degree of exposure . Acute toxicity/poisoning consists of a living organism being harmfully exposed to poison once or more times during
7380-475: The target organisms listed in the table. A structural class is usually associated with a single mode of action , whereas a mode of action may encompass more than one structural class. The pesticidal chemical ( active ingredient ) is mixed ( formulated ) with other components to form the product that is sold, and which is applied in various ways. Pesticides in gas form are fumigants . Pesticides can be classified based upon their mode of action , which indicates
7470-641: The type of poisoning, some first aid measures may help. Treatments include activated charcoal, induction of vomiting and dilution or neutralizing of the poison. Pesticide Pesticides are substances that are used to control pests . They include herbicides , insecticides , nematicides , fungicides , and many others (see table). The most common of these are herbicides, which account for approximately 50% of all pesticide use globally. Most pesticides are used as plant protection products (also known as crop protection products), which in general protect plants from weeds , fungi, or insects . In general,
7560-442: The use of pesticides and secondary benefits are effects that are more long-term. Controlling pests and plant disease vectors Controlling human/livestock disease vectors and nuisance organisms Controlling organisms that harm other human activities and structures In 2018 world pesticide sales were estimated to be $ 65 billion, of which 88% was used for agriculture. Generic accounted for 85% of sales in 2018. In one study, it
7650-415: The water to look or smell unpleasant. Uncontrolled pests such as termites and mold can damage structures such as houses. Pesticides are used in grocery stores and food storage facilities to manage rodents and insects that infest food such as grain. Pesticides are used on lawns and golf courses , partly for cosmetic reasons. Integrated pest management , the use of multiple approaches to control pests,
7740-415: The world’s total agricultural land. Pesticides have become more effective. Application rates fell from 1,000–2,500 grams of active ingredient per hectare (g/ha) in the 1950s to 40–100 g/ha in the 2000s. Despite this, amounts used have increased. In high income countries over 20 years between the 1990s and 2010s amounts used increased 20%, while in the low income countries amounts increased 1623%. The aim
7830-478: Was 2.26 kg per hectare (kg/ha), an increase of 4 percent with respect to 2020; use per value of agricultural production was 0.86 kg per thousand international dollar (kg/1000 I$ ) (+2%); and use per person was 0.45 kg per capita (kg/cap) (+3%). Between 1990 and 2021, these indicators increased by 85 percent, 3 percent, and 33 percent, respectively. Brazil was the world's largest user of pesticides in 2021, with 720 kt of pesticides applications for agricultural use, while
7920-437: Was a notable use of radiological assassination, presumably meant to evade the normal investigation of chemical poisons. Poisons widely dispersed into the environment are known as pollution . These are often of human origin , but pollution can also include unwanted biological processes such as toxic red tide , or acute changes to the natural chemical environment attributed to invasive species , which are toxic or detrimental to
8010-597: Was common for monarchs to employ personal food tasters to thwart royal assassination , in the dawning age of the Apothecary . The term poison is also used in a figurative sense. The slang sense of alcoholic drink is first attested 1805, American English (e.g., a bartender might ask a customer "what's your poison?" or "Pick your poison"). Figurative use of the term dates from the late 15th century. Figuratively referring to persons as poison dates from 1910. The figurative term poison-pen letter became well known in 1913 by
8100-450: Was estimated that for every dollar ($ 1) that is spent on pesticides for crops results in up to four dollars ($ 4) in crops which would otherwise be lost to insects, fungi and weeds. In general, farmers benefit from having an increase in crop yield and from being able to grow a variety of crops throughout the year. Consumers of agricultural products also benefit from being able to afford the vast quantities of produce available year-round. On
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