Fewer than 3,000 of the more than 12 million known chemicals cause most accidental and deliberate poisonings. However, almost any substance ingested in large quantities can be toxic. Common sources of poisons include drugs, household products, agricultural products, plants, industrial chemicals, and food substances. Identifying the poison and accurately assessing its danger are crucial to successful treatment. Information on treating poisoning from various substances is available from the nearest Poison Control Center, whose telephone number is listed in the local directory or can be obtained from directory assistance.
Poisoning can be an accident or a deliberate attempt to commit murder or suicide.
Almost any substance ingested in large quantities can be toxic. The symptoms of poisoning depend on the poison, the amount ingested, and certain characteristics of the person who takes it. Some poisons aren't very potent and require prolonged exposure or repeated ingestion of a large amount to cause a problem. Others are so potent that just a drop on the skin can cause severe damage. Genetic makeup may affect whether a substance is poisonous to a particular person.