Blood toxins, such as carbon monoxide, act on the blood cells to deprive the body of life-giving oxygen. Many organic poisons, such as snake venom or fungal poisons, are in this class. Corrosive poisons, such as ammonia, lye, and sulfuric acid, attack and destroy bodily tissues directly. Many poisons are double-acting. Lead salts and some fungal poisons not only irritate tissues but also act as nerve toxins.
All corrosive poisons are irritants in smaller amounts.
Incidence Small children are most at risk, mainly because they are so curious about the world around them and are prone to putting just about anything they find into their mouths. Symptoms you are likely to notice The various poisonous substances produce widely different symptoms. Sudden illness and an open bottle of a poisonous substance close by probably mean poisoning. Stains or odors on clothing or near where the victim was playing or working. The smell of gasoline, lighter fluid, or other chemicals on the breath is another telling sign.