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Poisoning
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Safety Issues

Poisoning

Poisoning occurs when a harmful substance is swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed, and requires immediate attention.

Overview

A poison is any substance that is harmful to your body. You might swallow it, inhale it, inject it, or absorb it through your skin. Any substance can be poisonous if too much is taken. Poisons can include:

  • Prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken in doses that are too high
  • Overdoses of illegal drugs
  • Carbon monoxide from gas appliances
  • Household products, such as laundry powder or furniture polish
  • Pesticides
  • Indoor or outdoor plants
  • Metals such as lead and mercury

Prevention and Treatment

The effects of poisoning range from short-term illness to brain damage, coma, and death. To prevent poisoning it is important to use and store products exactly as their labels say. Keep dangerous products where children can't get to them.

Treatment for poisoning depends on the type of poison. If you suspect someone has been poisoned, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most mild overdoses, medical evaluation is still recommended, especially if the substance is unknown or potentially dangerous. In some cases, activated charcoal may be used under medical guidance, but never attempt to induce vomiting or give home remedies without professional advice.
Severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, loss of consciousness, extreme agitation or confusion, vomiting that is uncontrollable, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If any of these occur, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Store all medications, cleaning supplies, pesticides, and household chemicals in child‑proof cabinets or lockable drawers. Keep them out of reach and use original containers with clear labels. Dispose of unused or expired products properly, and never mix medications or chemicals together.
Call your local poison control center at 1‑800‑222‑1222 right away. While you wait, keep the person calm, note the substance and dose, and if possible, bring the product container or label to the call. If the person is unconscious, breathing is difficult, or they have seizures, call emergency services (911) before or while you are on the line with poison control.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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