Poisoning

Dioxin is a substance that is a bit like peroxide. It's stored in the fatty tissues of your body and some forms can cause cancer and are toxic to humans. Dioxin can damage the skin and it can...

Ricin, a byproduct of castor beans, is a toxic plant protein for which there is no antidote. Accidental exposure to ricin is rare. Terrorism or other criminal activity is the main source of ricin...

When people discuss overdoses, magnesium isn't one of the more commonly thought-of culprits, but it is possible and it's a potentially dangerous condition. Here is how to treat a case of magnesium...

The best treatment for alcohol poisoning, resulting when too much alcohol has been consumed too quickly, is time, hydration and constant supervision. When medical assistance is unavailable,...

Listeria poisoning can occur from contaminated meat, dairy or vegetables. The usual symptoms are flu-like and include nausea, diarrhea, headache and fever. When Listeria affects the nervous...

Chloroform is known chemically as trichloromethane (CHCl3). Acute poisoning is rare because chloroform has been banned from consumer products since 1975. Chloroform poisoning occurs most commonly...

Cocaine is one the alkaloids extracted from two species of coca leaves. It is often used recreationally, but doctors also use it as a topical anesthetic, particularly in ear, nose and throat...

Cadmium is a stable element and cannot be broken down or otherwise destroyed. Cadmium and its compounds are toxic even in small amounts and will accumulate in the body. The following steps will...

Mercury is a stable element and cannot be broken down or otherwise destroyed. Elemental mercury is harmless unless inhaled as a vapor, but many organic compounds of mercury are toxic, with...

When a few drinks turn to a few too many, alcohol poisoning can result. Alcohol poisoning can be difficult to distinguish while a person is intoxicated, because many of its symptoms are hard to...