ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the potency of poisons, the mechanisms involved in toxic effects, and the recognition of a poisoning. Information is also provided on the incidence of mortality and morbidity due to poisoning viewed within the context of other health problems. Potency is an extremely important characteristic of poisons. It reflects the quantity of a toxicant that produces toxicity or death. Poisons modify or disrupt physiological functions through numerous mechanisms. Toxic manifestations occur because of the alteration of a critical step in the sequential processes necessary for organ-system function. Although accidents of various kinds are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, poisoning tops the list of causes of accidental deaths. Suicide and homicide are also among the leading causes of death and poisoning and are among the most common lethal methods employed.
