Poisoning

A poison is any substance that can harm the body when swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. Any substance can be poisonous if taken in excess. Poisons can include:

• Prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken in doses that are too high
• Overdoses of recreational drugs
• Carbon monoxide from poorly-ventilated gas appliances or generators
• Household products — cleaning liquids, kerosene, acids, bleach
• Pesticides and insecticides — a major cause of accidental and intentional poisoning in rural India, especially among farmers
• Toxic plants — datura, oleander, jatropha and others found in gardens and countryside
• Heavy metals — lead, mercury, arsenic (arsenic contamination of groundwater is significant in parts of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, UP)

Effects range from short-term illness to organ damage, coma, or death. Treatment depends on the poison, so prompt identification helps.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

Do not delay. Go to the nearest hospital's emergency department immediately, and bring the container or a sample of the suspected poison with you.

• Dial 112 in an emergency.
• If available, call a national poison information helpline — they provide 24-hour guidance on managing poisoning for both doctors and the public. Your hospital will know the current number.
• Do NOT induce vomiting unless a doctor or the poisons centre specifically tells you to. For acid, alkali, or kerosene poisoning, vomiting makes the injury worse.
• If the person is unconscious and not breathing, start CPR.

Prevention

• Store medicines, cleaning products, and pesticides in locked cabinets or out of children's reach
• Never transfer chemicals into food or drink bottles
• Follow label instructions carefully when using pesticides
• Ensure good ventilation when using gas appliances, generators, or coal heaters