Welcome to toxicology for writers. Let’s start out with some definitions. Toxicology is a broad subject and encompasses many areas of science. Please note this information is provided for the purpose of entertainment, education and to provide resources for writers. I take no responsibility for what anyone does with this information. Additionally, if you are concerned a person or animal has been poisoned, please get off the internet and seek professional medical assistance immediately. Importantly, I will NOT give specific medical advice.

We need to make some important distinctions as well. People assume that ‘poisonous’ and ‘venomous’ mean the same thing. But there is a difference. Here’s a list of important definitions.

Toxicology Definitions
1. Toxin
A noxious substance that causes damage to the body in some way that can cause severe illness, injury or death. Toxins can be produced by bacteria, fungi, animals, plants or manmade chemicals.
2.  Poison
Poisons are ingested or absorbed by the body. This generally means that a poison is absorbed through the gut, the respiratory tract or the skin to cause harm.
If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous! 
3. Venom
Venom is injected into the body via a bite, a claw, a stinger or a needle. Many creatures have specialised glands to produce venom, such as snakes, spiders and scorpions. 
If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous!
4. Antidote
Antidotes are a specific remedy for a specific toxin. It counteracts or blocks the effect of the toxin to prevent damage or death. Antidotes do this by preventing absorption, binding and neutralising it or inhibiting metabolism of the toxin until the body can excrete it. 
5. Antitoxin
Antitoxins are created from antibodies against specific biological toxins, which are collected and can be administered to bind and clear the toxin. Examples of this include Tetanus antitoxin. Antivenins are similar, such as those used to treat venomous snake bites.
6. Lethal Dose
This is the calculated lethal dose of a toxin, i.e. the amount that needs to be given to result in death. This could be a large amount, or a small amount. Some toxins can accumulate in the body and become dangerous over time. 
7. Emetics
Emetics are commonly used to treat poison ingestion, especially in dogs and children. The most common accidental poison victims! Emesis is the medical term for vomiting, so drugs that are emetics induce vomiting. Syrup of Ipecac and apomorphine are examples. Do not attempt to treat poisoning yourself! Seek immediate medical attention!
8. Activated Charcoal
This is commonly used to treat poison ingestion. It binds to substances in the gut and prevents them from being absorbed, ensuring the toxin is excreted in faeces. It is often sold as a ‘detox’ but be aware that it also works on most medicines meaning it can prevent medication you need from working, like the contraceptive pill!

Next Up In Toxicology

This concludes part one of toxicology for writers. Now that we understand some of the important definitions, it’s time to look at some more detailed information. On the next page we’ll look at specific types of toxins, based on which body system they impact. I will list specific examples for information, but the list is not exhaustive. Click here for the next page, or see the menu at the top of the page. It’s an interesting subject area so I’m looking forward to getting into the nitty gritty with you all. Anyone writing about assassins will find this useful!