Answer:
Explanation:
Poisons are substances that can be deadly. They are chemicals that are either produced naturally or are manufactured. It also depends on a number of things – most importantly the amount of the substance absorbed, ingested or inhaled. Below are examples of substances which are beneficial in small quantities but poisonous in large doses.
1. Oxygen: Too much oxygen (vital for life) results in cell damage and can lead to death (oxygen toxicity).
2. Common Salt: Ingestion of common salt (sodium chloride) is essential for human health in small doses but may be harmful in large doses. It can cause high blood pressure and can lead to strokes or cardiovascular disease.
3. Paracetamol: Paracetamol is commonly used for pain relief and to reduce fever in small doses, but in larger doses, it causes liver damage and can lead to death.
4. Alcohol: Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that has a depressant effect. It is often consumed because of its calming effects, and it can make people feel more sociable. In large doses, alcohol is harmful and can cause acute alcohol poisoning.
5. Polyphenols present in plants we eat are toxic in large amounts, but in small amounts, they are beneficial.
6. Fertilizers: In agriculture, fertilizers are use to increase crop production but in large quantities can cause damage to crops.
7. Pesticides: Pesticides are use to control pest that hinder plants growths but in large doses can cause damage to plants.
Some toxins and toxic substances in small doses can be beneficial. Toxins often occur naturally in food, but in small doses, they are fine and even beneficial. Certain toxins in small doses are used as medications to heal us when we are sick. Other toxic substances are used as:
8. Sweeteners
9. Preservatives
10. Dyes and cleaning agents
