Zatrucie
Etiologia i przyczyny

Zatrucie to stan chorobowy wywołany ekspozycją na substancje toksyczne, które mogą być w formie płynów, ciał stałych lub gazów, a ich szkodliwość zależy od dawki, drogi wniknięcia oraz czasu ekspozycji. W 2011 roku w Niemczech odnotowano około 205 000 przypadków ostrych zatruć, z czego 1987 zgonów przypisano lekom i substancjom biologicznie czynnym (kod ICD-10 T3650), a 1296 zgonów substancjom niemedycznym (kod T5165). W USA zatrucia pokarmowe powodują rocznie około 48 milionów zachorowań, 128 000 hospitalizacji i 3000 zgonów. Najczęstszą formą zatruć w Wielkiej Brytanii jest przedawkowanie leków, w tym paracetamolu, leków przeciwdepresyjnych i przeciwlękowych. Zatrucia mogą wystąpić przez drogi pokarmową, skórną, oddechową, przez oczy lub wstrzyknięcie, a ich ciężkość zależy od rodzaju trucizny, ilości, drogi wniknięcia i czasu ekspozycji. Szczególnie narażone są dzieci poniżej 5. roku życia oraz osoby starsze powyżej 65 lat.

Zatrucie – Etiologia, definicja i skala problemu

Zatrucie to stan chorobowy wywołany ekspozycją na substancję, która może spowodować chorobę lub zaszkodzić organizmowi. Substancje trujące, z definicji, to każde substancje, które mogą wywołać chorobę lub szkody zdrowotne. Mogą występować w formie płynów, ciał stałych lub gazów1. Zatrucia mogą wystąpić, gdy organizm jest narażony na wystarczającą ilość substancji szkodliwej. Niektóre substancje są niebezpieczne nawet w niewielkich ilościach, podczas gdy inne mogą zaszkodzić jedynie w dużych dawkach1.

Skala problemu zatruć jest znacząca. W 2011 roku niemieckie szpitale leczyły około 205 000 pacjentów cierpiących z powodu ostrych zatruć12. Oficjalne statystyki przyczyn zgonów w Niemczech w 2011 roku obejmowały 1987 zgonów (0,23% wszystkich zgonów) sklasyfikowanych pod kodami ICD-10 T3650 (leki, narkotyki, substancje biologicznie czynne) oraz 1296 (0,15%) sklasyfikowanych pod kodami T5165 (substancje do użytku niemedycznego)12.

W Wielkiej Brytanii większość przypadków zatruć zdarza się w domu, a dzieci poniżej 5. roku życia mają najwyższe ryzyko przypadkowego zatrucia. Istnieją również tysiące przypadków, w których ludzie celowo zatruwają się jako akt samookaleczenia1. W USA zatrucia pokarmowe powodują około 48 milionów zachorowań, 128 000 hospitalizacji i 3000 zgonów rocznie11.

Drogi narażenia na trucizny

Trucizny mogą dostać się do organizmu różnymi drogami, co wpływa na ciężkość zatrucia1:

  • Przez usta (drogą pokarmową) – połknięcie substancji toksycznej (np. środka czyszczącego) często powoduje większe szkody niż kontakt ze skórą1
  • Przez skórę – niektóre substancje mogą wchłaniać się przez skórę i powodować zatrucia1
  • Przez drogi oddechowe – wdychanie toksycznych gazów, oparów lub pyłów1
  • Przez oczy – niektóre substancje mogą być wchłaniane przez błony śluzowe oczu1
  • Przez wstrzyknięcie – bezpośrednie wprowadzenie trucizny do krwiobiegu1

Ciężkość zatrucia zależy od kilku czynników1:

  • Rodzaju trucizny – niektóre powodują łagodne objawy, które ustępują po domowej opiece, inne z większym prawdopodobieństwem wywołują ciężką chorobę1
  • Drogi wniknięcia do organizmu1
  • Ilości substancji, która dostała się do organizmu – trucizny są zazwyczaj bardziej niebezpieczne w większych ilościach1
  • Czasu ekspozycji – zatrucie może być ostre (sekundy lub minuty) lub przewlekłe (długoterminowe)1

Główne przyczyny zatruć

Leki i substancje farmaceutyczne

Przedawkowanie leków jest najczęstszą formą zatrucia w Wielkiej Brytanii. Może to dotyczyć zarówno leków dostępnych bez recepty, takich jak paracetamol, jak i leków na receptę, takich jak leki przeciwdepresyjne1. Według danych z niemieckich centrów informacji toksykologicznej (Giftinformationszentren, GIZ), jawne zatrucia często występują po spożyciu leków, narkotyków i produktów chemicznych22.

Do najczęściej odpowiedzialnych za poważne przypadki zatruć u dzieci poniżej szóstego roku życia należą1:

  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspiryna
  • Paracetamol
  • Leki przeciwdepresyjne
  • Leki przeciwlękowe
  • Leki krążeniowe

Wśród dorosłych główne przyczyny zatruć lekowych to środki przeciwbólowe, leki na receptę, leki uspokajające, środki czyszczące i leki przeciwdepresyjne1. W przypadku osób starszych, najczęstsze przyczyny przypadkowych zatruć związanych z lekami to błędy dawkowania leków na serce, przyjmowanie zbyt dużej ilości leków przeciwbólowych lub sedatywnych (leki na sen i przeciwlękowe), a także pomyłkowe użycie kremu na zapalenie stawów lub innych maści leczniczych zamiast pasty do zębów1.

Produkty chemiczne i środki czystości

Produkty gospodarstwa domowego stanowią istotne źródło zatruć, szczególnie wśród dzieci. Prawie wszystkie rodzaje produktów czyszczących zawierają chemikalia, które mogą poparzyć skórę i oczy, powodować zaburzenia oddychania lub skutkować jeszcze poważniejszymi problemami zdrowotnymi w przypadku spożycia112.

Do produktów chemicznych często powodujących zatrucia należą1:

  • Produkty gospodarstwa domowego i produkty do pielęgnacji osobistej, jak zmywacz do paznokci i płyn do płukania ust, które są szkodliwe dla dzieci
  • Środki czyszczące i detergenty
  • Rozcieńczalniki do farb
  • Pestycydy i środki owadobójcze
  • Chemikalia ogrodowe, takie jak herbicydy, nawozy i fungicydy

Zatrucie może również nastąpić przez kontakt z substancjami chemicznymi, które często wchodzą w kontakt z różnymi produktami spożywczymi. Przykłady chemikaliów powodujących zatrucie poprzez zatrucie to metale ciężkie, pestycydy, środki konserwujące i inne toksyny chemiczne4.

Metale ciężkie

Ołów jest naturalnie występującym metalem, ale działalność człowieka – wydobycie, spalanie paliw kopalnych i produkcja – spowodowała jego większe rozprzestrzenienie1. Zatrucie ołowiem występuje, gdy ołów gromadzi się w organizmie, często przez miesiące lub lata1.

Główne źródła zatrucia ołowiem to121:

  • Farby na bazie ołowiu do domów, zabawek dla dzieci i mebli domowych (zakazane w USA od 1978 r.)
  • Rury ołowiane, mosiężne armatura hydrauliczna i miedziane rury lutowane ołowiem, które mogą uwalniać cząsteczki ołowiu do wody z kranu
  • Gleba zanieczyszczona ołowiem
  • Kurz domowy zawierający ołów z odłamków farb lub zanieczyszczonej gleby
  • Niektóre zabawki i inne produkty wytwarzane za granicą
  • Tradycyjne leki, w tym stosowane w medycynie ajurwedyjskiej i tradycyjnej medycynie chińskiej

Rtęć jest naturalnie występującym pierwiastkiem chemicznym, ale może stać się szkodliwa, gdy zanieczyszcza obszary wód słodkich i morskich. Ryby i inne zwierzęta wodne spożywają rtęć, która następnie jest przekazywana w łańcuchu pokarmowym, aż dotrze do ludzi1.

Zatrucie rtęcią może powodować szereg problemów zdrowotnych, w tym11:

  • Problemy neurologiczne (drętwienie kończyn, problemy z pamięcią, zmiany osobowości)
  • Zaburzenia widzenia i słuchu
  • Problemy koordynacji ruchowej
  • Drgawki lub paraliż
  • Problemy z rozwojem u dzieci
  • Konsekwencje reprodukcyjne (poronienia, wady wrodzone)

Arsen to naturalnie występujący pierwiastek, który w wysokich stężeniach może być toksyczny. Główną przyczyną zatrucia arsenem na świecie jest picie wód gruntowych zawierających wysokie poziomy tej toksyny1. Arsen spożyty w dużych ilościach może szybko zabić człowieka, a przyjmowany w mniejszych dawkach przez dłuższy czas może powodować poważne choroby lub przedłużającą się śmierć1.

Zatrucia pokarmowe

Zatrucie pokarmowe występuje po spożyciu skażonej żywności lub wody. Zanieczyszczenie może nastąpić na każdym etapie produkcji żywności – od uprawy, przez zbiór, przetwarzanie, przechowywanie, transport, aż po przygotowanie11.

Główne przyczyny zatruć pokarmowych to11:

  1. Bakterie – najczęstsza przyczyna zatruć pokarmowych (66% przypadków)1:
    • Salmonella – głównie surowe jaja i niedogotowany drób1
    • E. coli – zwykle w niedogotowanym mięsie mielonym i surowych warzywach1
    • Listeria – bakterie w miękkich serach, wędlinach, hot dogach i surowych kiełkach1
    • Campylobacter – niedogotowany drób, mięso i niepasteryzowane mleko2
    • Staphylococcus aureus – przenoszony przez kontakt z rękami, kichanie lub kaszel2
    • Clostridium perfringens – często występuje w potrawach mięsnych3
    • Clostridium botulinum – powoduje botulizm, rzadką, ale potencjalnie śmiertelną chorobę4
    • Shigella – może zainfekować owoce morza lub surowe owoce i warzywa2
    • Vibrio – żyje w wodach przybrzeżnych i może zainfekować ludzi przez otwarte rany lub przez spożycie skażonych owoców morza4
  2. Wirusy (4% przypadków)1:
    • Norowirus – najczęstsza przyczyna ostrego zapalenia żołądka i jelit1
    • Rotawirus – najczęstsza przyczyna u dzieci2
    • Wirusowe zapalenie wątroby typu A – przenoszone przez skorupiaki, świeże produkty lub wodę i lód zanieczyszczone kałem1
  3. Pasożyty (4% przypadków)1:
    • Toxoplasma gondii – powoduje toksoplazmozę2
    • Giardia – pasożyt przenoszony w kale zainfekowanych osób5
    • Cryptosporidium – powoduje kryptosporidiozę2
  4. Substancje chemiczne/toksyny (26% przypadków)1:
    • Naturalne toksyny produkowane przez glony lub bakterie w rybach i owocach morza2
    • Niektóre rodzaje dzikich grzybów2
    • Niewypłukane produkty zawierające duże ilości chemicznych pestycydów2
    • Mykotoksyny – rodzaj trucizny wydzielanej przez grzyby2

Zatrucie tlenkiem węgla

Tlenek węgla (CO) to bezwonny, bezbarwny i bezsmakowy gaz powstający w wyniku niecałkowitego spalania paliw1. Gdy ludzie są narażeni na działanie gazu CO, cząsteczki CO wypierają tlen w organizmie, co prowadzi do zatrucia1.

Główne źródła zatrucia tlenkiem węgla to21:

  • Wdychanie dymu z pożarów
  • Źle działające systemy grzewcze
  • Niewłaściwie wentylowane urządzenia spalające paliwo (np. grzejniki naftowe, grille węglowe, kuchenki kempingowe, generatory prądu zasilane benzyną)
  • Pojazdy silnikowe pracujące w słabo wentylowanych pomieszczeniach
  • Ekspozycja na otwartym powietrzu na spaliny łodzi motorowych
  • Podziemne pożary kabli elektrycznych, które wytwarzają duże ilości CO
  • Używanie fajki wodnej (szisza)
  • Zablokowane przewody kominowe i kominy
  • Wadliwe lub zablokowane układy wydechowe samochodów
  • Opary farby

CDC szacuje, że w Stanach Zjednoczonych co roku około 400 osób umiera z powodu niezamierzonego narażenia na CO, a ogółem zatrucie CO dotyka około 50 000 osób rocznie11.

Pestycydy i środki owadobójcze

Pestycydy są toksyczne, a ryzyko zdrowotne dla ludzi zależy od toksyczności pestycydu i wielkości ekspozycji1. Ekspozycja na pestycydy może powodować szereg objawów, w zależności od metody i długości ekspozycji oraz rodzaju pestycydu1.

Po lekach, pestycydy są najczęstszą przyczyną zatruć dzieci w niektórych częściach świata1. Większość pestycydów zawiera związki z klas chemicznych: karbaminiany, związki fosforoorganiczne, pyretryny i pyretroidy lub związki chloroorganiczne1.

Pestycydy fosforoorganiczne powodują więcej przypadków zatruć zawodowych i śmierci niż jakakolwiek inna pojedyncza grupa pestycydów1. W Kolumbii główne czynniki etiologiczne ostrego zatrucia to związki fosforoorganiczne, a następnie karbaminiany, leki przeciwdepresyjne i benzodiazepiny1.

Alkohol i narkotyki

Zatrucie alkoholem może dotknąć dzieci, które piją napoje alkoholowe, w tym wino, piwo i mocny alkohol3. U dzieci zatrucie alkoholem może powodować niski poziom cukru we krwi, co może prowadzić do drgawek i śpiączki3.

Alkohol znajduje się nie tylko w napojach alkoholowych, ale także w innych produktach, co stanowi dodatkowe ryzyko, szczególnie dla dzieci22.

Zatrucie substancjami nielegalnymi może powodować poważne konsekwencje zdrowotne, w tym zmiany czujności i reaktywności, spowolnione lub osłabione oddychanie, utratę przytomności i drgawki3. W latach 2014-2020 wzrosła częstość zatruć spowodowanych spożyciem konopi indyjskich, szczególnie u dzieci poniżej pierwszego roku życia, a także zwiększyła się ich ciężkość – odsetek przyjęć na oddział intensywnej terapii podwoił się dla dzieci poniżej szóstego roku życia (z 5% do 11%)2.

Inne przyczyny zatruć

Istnieje wiele innych przyczyn zatruć, które również stanowią zagrożenie, szczególnie dla dzieci22:

  • Baterie guzikowe zawierające chemikalia alkaliczne, które mogą wyciekać lub generować prąd elektryczny, powodując oparzenia lub dziury w przełyku
  • Produkty do pielęgnacji osobistej, takie jak zmywacz do paznokci lub perfumy
  • Rośliny domowe i ogrodowe zawierające toksyny, które mogą wpływać na żołądek, serce, wątrobę, układ oddechowy lub skórę
  • Płyn nikotynowy używany w e-papierosach, który może być trujący w przypadku połknięcia lub kontaktu ze skórą
  • Benzyna (paliwo), nafta, olej do lamp, płyn do zapalniczek, olej silnikowy oraz rozcieńczalniki i zmywacze do farb, które są węglowodorami

Czynniki ryzyka zatruć

Niektóre grupy osób są bardziej narażone na zatrucia lub mogą doświadczać cięższego przebiegu zatrucia2:

Wiek

  • Dzieci poniżej 5. roku życia mają niedojrzały układ odpornościowy i są szczególnie podatne ze względu na naturalną ciekawość i tendencję do wkładania różnych przedmiotów do ust11
  • Osoby powyżej 65. roku życia mają osłabiony układ odpornościowy, który zaczyna się pogarszać2

Stan zdrowia

  • Ciąża – może być obciążająca dla organizmu, zostawiając mniej zasobów niż zwykle do zwalczania infekcji2
  • Przewlekłe choroby – wiele stanów przewlekłych może wpływać na odporność, w tym infekcje, nowotwory, choroby immunologiczne i autoimmunologiczne2
  • Przyjmowanie leków – kortykosteroidy i leki immunosupresyjne mogą osłabiać układ odpornościowy i zwiększać podatność na choroby2

Narażenie zawodowe

  • Pracownicy niektórych branży mogą być bardziej narażeni na zatrucia, jeśli nie podejmą odpowiednich środków bezpieczeństwa1
  • Chroniczne ekspozycje często występują w pracy, szczególnie w górnictwie, fabrykach lub rolnictwie1
  • U dorosłych najczęściej identyfikowanym źródłem zatrucia ołowiem jest narażenie zawodowe w przemyśle budowlanym1

Mechanizmy zatruć

Zatrucia mogą działać przez różne mechanizmy, w zależności od rodzaju trucizny31:

Zaburzenia transportu tlenu

Tlenek węgla wiąże się z hemoglobiną z około 240 razy większym powinowactwem niż tlen, tworząc karboksyhemoglobinę (COHb). Powoduje to allosteryczną zmianę, która znacznie zmniejsza zdolność trzech pozostałych miejsc wiązania tlenu w hemoglobinie do uwalniania tlenu do tkanek obwodowych. W rezultacie następuje deformacja i przesunięcie w lewo krzywej dysocjacji oksyhemoglobiny, co dodatkowo pogarsza dostarczanie tlenu do tkanek3.

Blokada metabolizmu komórkowego

Tlenek węgla inaktywuje również oksydazę cytochromową w sposób podobny do cyjanku. Zatrucie CO i cyjankiem może wystąpić jednocześnie u pacjentów po inhalacji dymu, a ich połączone efekty na transport i wykorzystanie tlenu wydają się być synergistyczne3.

Mechanizmy biegunek w zatruciach pokarmowych

Patogeneza biegunki w zatruciu pokarmowym jest klasyfikowana ogólnie jako nieinfekcyjna lub infekcyjna1:

  • Biegunka nieinfekcyjna jest spowodowana działaniem enterotoksyn na mechanizmy wydzielnicze błony śluzowej jelita cienkiego, bez inwazji. Prowadzi to do dużej objętości wodnistych stolców bez obecności krwi, ropy lub silnego bólu brzucha.
  • Biegunka infekcyjna jest spowodowana działaniem cytotoksyn na błonę śluzową, prowadzącym do inwazji i zniszczenia. Zwykle zajęte jest okrężnica lub dystalny odcinek jelita cienkiego.

Wpływ bakterii na psucie się żywności

Bakterie mogą namnażać się bardzo szybko, szczególnie w odpowiednich warunkach1:

  • Czas – w idealnych warunkach jedna bakteria może namnożyć się do ponad 2 milionów w ciągu 7 godzin
  • Temperatura – bakterie powodujące zatrucia pokarmowe rozwijają się najlepiej w zakresie temperatur między 5°C a 60°C (tzw. strefa niebezpiecznych temperatur)
  • Składniki odżywcze – większość pokarmów zawiera wystarczającą ilość składników odżywczych dla rozwoju bakterii, szczególnie produkty potencjalnie wysokiego ryzyka, takie jak produkty mleczne i jajeczne, mięso, drób i owoce morza
  • Woda – bakterie potrzebują wody do rozwoju. Bez wody wzrost może zwolnić lub zatrzymać się, dlatego suszone produkty nie psują się
  • pH – niskie pH (warunki kwaśne) generalnie hamuje wzrost bakterii, ale gdy pH żywności jest neutralne, jak ma to miejsce w przypadku wielu pokarmów, większość bakterii rozwija się dość dobrze

Zmiany przyczyn zatruć w czasie

Przyczyny i naukowe zrozumienie zatruć zmieniają się w czasie, a wraz z nimi możliwości ich prawidłowej diagnozy i leczenia12. Niektóre substancje, które kiedyś były bardzo częstymi przyczynami zatruć, teraz są nimi rzadko. Należą do nich barbiturany, starsze rodzaje rodentycydów (związki talu) i insektycydy fosforanów alkilowych, takie jak paration12.

Farby na bazie ołowiu dla domów, zabawek dla dzieci i mebli domowych zostały zakazane w Stanach Zjednoczonych od 1978 roku1, co przyczyniło się do zmniejszenia zatruć ołowiem.

Jednym z zadań centrów informacji toksykologicznej jest wykrywanie zatruć wynikających z nowych leków poprzez obserwację rosnącej częstości zatruć w miarę wzrostu częstości recept (nadzór farmakologiczny)2.

Profilaktyka zatruć

Większość zatruć zachodzi w domu111, dlatego kluczowe jest podejmowanie odpowiednich środków zapobiegawczych:

Zapobieganie zatruciom lekami

  • Przechowywać leki w miejscach niedostępnych dla dzieci, najlepiej w zamykanych szafkach
  • Nie nazywać leków „cukierkami”
  • Zawsze czytać etykiety i przestrzegać zalecanego dawkowania
  • Nie przyjmować leków przepisanych dla innych osób
  • Usuwać przeterminowane leki w odpowiedni sposób

Zapobieganie zatruciom chemikaliami

  • Przechowywać produkty chemiczne w oryginalnych pojemnikach z etykietami
  • Nie przechowywać chemikaliów w pojemnikach po żywności
  • Używać chemikaliów w dobrze wentylowanych pomieszczeniach
  • Używać środków ochrony osobistej (rękawice, maski) podczas pracy z chemikaliami
  • Przechowywać chemikalia z dala od żywności

Zapobieganie zatruciom tlenkiem węgla

  • Instalować detektory tlenku węgla w domu
  • Regularnie serwisować wszystkie urządzenia spalające paliwo
  • Zapewnić odpowiednią wentylację przy używaniu urządzeń spalających paliwo
  • Nie używać grilli, generatorów ani innych silników spalinowych w zamkniętych przestrzeniach
  • Nie pozostawiać samochodu z włączonym silnikiem w zamkniętym garażu

Zapobieganie zatruciom pokarmowym

  • Myć ręce przed i podczas przygotowywania posiłków
  • Utrzymywać w czystości powierzchnie kuchenne i narzędzia
  • Oddzielać surowe mięso i drób od innych produktów spożywczych
  • Gotować żywność do bezpiecznej temperatury wewnętrznej
  • Przechowywać żywność w odpowiedniej temperaturze
  • Unikać niepasteryzowanego mleka i soków
  • Dokładnie myć owoce i warzywa

Rola centrów informacji toksykologicznej

Centra informacji toksykologicznej odgrywają kluczową rolę w diagnozowaniu i leczeniu zatruć oraz w zbieraniu danych epidemiologicznych22:

  • Oferują pomoc w odpowiednim wyborze testów laboratoryjnych
  • Pomagają w selekcji i transporcie próbek
  • Określają laboratorium, które może natychmiast wykonać niezbędne testy
  • Zapewniają wsparcie logistyczne, aby przypadek mógł być szybko rozwiązany
  • Zbierają dane, które mogą być wykorzystane do udoskonalenia środków nadzoru
  • Stanowią punkt wyjścia dla projektów badawczych, których ustalenia mogą być włączone do przyszłych zaleceń leczniczych

Niemieckie centra informacji toksykologicznej (Giftinformationszentren, GIZ) używają bardziej szczegółowej klasyfikacji niż oficjalne statystyki, co pozwala na dokładniejszą analizę przyczyn zatruć22.

Podejście do leczenia zatruć

Większość pacjentów cierpiących z powodu zatrucia jest leczona wyłącznie objawowo2. Podanie skutecznego antidotum jest uważane za idealne leczenie zatrucia, jednak specyficzne, skuteczne środki skierowane przeciwko konkretnej substancji wywołującej zatrucie można zastosować tylko u niewielkiej mniejszości pacjentów22.

Leczenie zatrucia zależy od rodzaju trucizny i może obejmować1:

  • Usunięcie źródła trucizny
  • Leczenie objawowe
  • Podanie antidotum, jeśli jest dostępne
  • Zmiany w diecie
  • Leki wypłukujące ołów z krwi (w przypadku zatrucia ołowiem)
  • Hospitalizację w poważnych przypadkach

W przypadku zatrucia opioidami, jeśli osoba jest zagrożona przedawkowaniem, a nalokson (Narcan) jest dostępny, należy go podać1.

Pierwszym krokiem leczenia zatrucia ołowiem jest zlokalizowanie i usunięcie źródła ołowiu. Jeśli nie można go usunąć, należy go uszczelnić2. Nawet przy leczeniu trudno jest odwrócić skutki przewlekłej ekspozycji2.

Większość przypadków zatrucia pokarmowego ustępuje samoistnie, po tym jak mikroby przejdą przez organizm. Jednak podczas choroby ważne jest, aby zachować nawodnienie, ponieważ częste biegunki i wymioty mogą powodować odwodnienie1.

Powikłania zatruć

Chociaż powikłania zatruć są rzadkie, mogą być poważne, a w niektórych przypadkach nawet śmiertelne2. Najczęstszym ryzykiem jest ciężkie odwodnienie, ale niektóre rodzaje infekcji mogą powodować inne specyficzne powikłania2:

Powikłania zatruć pokarmowych

  • Poronienie i martwe urodzenie – infekcja Listeria jest szczególnie niebezpieczna dla rozwijającego się płodu, ponieważ bakterie mogą powodować uszkodzenia neurologiczne i śmierć2
  • Uszkodzenie nerek – E. coli może prowadzić do zespołu hemolityczno-mocznicowego (HUS) i niewydolności nerek2
  • Zapalenie stawów – bakterie Salmonella i Campylobacter mogą powodować przewlekłe zapalenie stawów i uszkodzenie stawów2
  • Uszkodzenie układu nerwowego i mózgu – niektóre bakterie lub wirusy mogą powodować zapalenie opon mózgowych. Inne, jak Campylobacter, mogą powodować neurologiczne zaburzenie zwane zespołem Guillaina-Barrégo2
  • Posocznica – w ciężkich przypadkach infekcja Listeria może prowadzić do posocznicy (zakażenia krwi) lub zapalenia opon mózgowych (infekcji mózgu)2

Powikłania zatrucia tlenkiem węgla

Zespół opóźnionych następstw neurologicznych (DNS) obejmuje różny stopień deficytów poznawczych, zmiany osobowości, zaburzenia ruchu i ogniskowe deficyty neurologiczne4. DNS występuje u 15-40% pacjentów ze znaczną ekspozycją na CO. DNS pojawia się 3-240 dni po pozornym wyzdrowieniu, zwykle w ciągu 20 dni od zatrucia CO. Deficyty mogą utrzymywać się przez rok lub dłużej4.

Długoterminowa śmiertelność jest zwiększona, jeśli zatrucie CO powoduje uszkodzenie mięśnia sercowego. Długoterminowa obserwacja kohorty pacjentów z umiarkowanym do ciężkiego zatruciem CO, którzy doznali ostrego uszkodzenia mięśnia sercowego, wykazała wskaźnik śmiertelności wynoszący 24%. Śmiertelność wśród pacjentów z uszkodzeniem mięśnia sercowego była ponad dwukrotnie wyższa niż u zatrutych pacjentów bez dowodów takiego uszkodzenia i oszacowano, że jest trzykrotnie wyższa niż oczekiwany wskaźnik dla porównywalnej niezatrutej kohorty4.

Powikłania zatrucia metalami ciężkimi

Zatrucie ołowiem zostało powiązane z greta i azarcon, tradycyjnymi lekami hiszpańskimi, a także niektórymi z Indii, Chin i innych krajów1. Ołów może zaszkodzić nienarodzonemu dziecku. Jeśli jesteś w ciąży lub planujesz ciążę, należy szczególnie uważać, aby uniknąć narażenia na ołów1.

Ekspozycja na ołów może powodować wysokie ciśnienie krwi oraz problemy z mózgiem, nerkami i zdrowiem reprodukcyjnym u dorosłych1. Kobiety w ciąży i ich płody mogą również być zagrożone zatruciem ołowiem1.

WHO szacuje, że w 2021 roku narażenie na ołów przypisano do ponad 1,5 miliona zgonów na całym świecie, głównie z powodu skutków sercowo-naczyniowych1. Narażenie na ołów szacowano na ponad 33 miliony lat utraconych z powodu niepełnosprawności (lata życia skorygowane o niepełnosprawność, DALY) na całym świecie w 2021 roku1.

Metylortęć może powodować zmiany w słuchu i widzeniu, zmiany osobowości, problemy z pamięcią, drgawki lub paraliż2. Gdy dzieci są narażone na rtęć, mogą mieć problemy z rozwojem lub koordynacją mięśniową2.

Rola monitorowania i badań w zapobieganiu zatruciom

Ciągłe zbieranie danych przez centra informacji toksykologicznej jest przydatne do udoskonalania środków nadzoru i służy również jako punkt wyjścia dla projektów badawczych, których ustalenia można włączyć do przyszłych zaleceń leczniczych2.

Regularne monitorowanie przypadków zatruć pomaga wykrywać nowe zagrożenia i trendy, co pozwala na opracowanie odpowiednich strategii zapobiegawczych. Badania nad mechanizmami zatruć, skutecznymi antidotami i protokołami leczenia przyczyniają się do poprawy opieki nad pacjentami z zatruciami.

Ważne jest, aby centra toksykologiczne współpracowały z instytucjami zdrowia publicznego, pracownikami służby zdrowia i społeczeństwem w celu zwiększenia świadomości na temat zapobiegania zatruciom i właściwego reagowania w przypadku wystąpienia zatrucia.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 16.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Poisoning, Types of Poison: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/poison
    Poisoning happens when you’re exposed to enough of something to make you sick or harm you. Poisons, by definition, are any substances that can cause sickness or harm. They can be liquids, solids or gases. Poisoning can occur if: […] Some substances are dangerous even in tiny amounts. Others will only hurt you in large amounts. […] The type of poison. Certain types of poison cause mild symptoms that go away with at-home care. Others are more likely to cause severe illness. […] How it enters your body. Poisons can enter your body through your skin, mouth, nose or eyes. Swallowing a toxic substance (like a household cleaner) often causes more harm than touching it with your skin. […] The amount that enters your body. Poisons are generally more dangerous in larger quantities. […] How long you had exposure to it. A poisoning can be either acute (seconds or minutes) or chronic (long-term). Chronic exposures often happen on the job, especially in mining, factories or agriculture. […] Causes of poisoning.
  • #1 Common Causes of Poisoning: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3813891/
    In 2011, German hospitals treated approximately 205 000 patients suffering from acute poisoning. […] The causes and scientific understanding of poisoning change over time, and with them the opportunities for its correct diagnosis and treatment. […] The causes of acute poisoning change over time. Some substances that were once very common causes of poisoning are now only rarely so: These include barbiturates, older types of rodenticide (thallium compounds), and alkyl phosphate insecticides such as parathion. […] The official cause-of-death statistics for Germany in the year 2011 included 1987 deaths (0.23% of all deaths) that were classified under the ICD-10 codes T3650 (medications, illegal drugs, biologically active substances) and 1296 (0.15%) that were classified under codes T5165 (substances of non-medical use).
  • #1
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/poisoning/
    Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or endanger their life. […] Most cases of poisoning happen at home, and children under 5 have the highest risk of accidental poisoning. […] There are several thousands of cases in England each year where people intentionally poison themselves as a deliberate act of self-harm. […] An overdose of medicine is the most common form of poisoning in the UK. This can include both over-the-counter medicines, such as paracetamol, and prescription medicines, such as antidepressants. […] Other potential poisons include household products, such as bleach, cosmetic items, such as nail polish, some types of plants and fungi, certain types of household chemicals and pesticides, carbon monoxide, poorly prepared or cooked food, and food that’s gone mouldy or been contaminated with bacteria from raw meat (food poisoning), alcohol, if an excessive amount is consumed over a short period of time (alcohol poisoning), recreational drugs or substances, medicines prescribed for pets.
  • #1 The Most Common Causes of Food Poisoning
    https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/the-most-common-causes-of-food-poisoning.aspx
    Though many may not realize it, foodborne outbreaks cause millions of Americans to get sick each year: An estimated 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths occur each year as the result of foodborne germs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). […] From salmonella to E. coli to campylobacter, there are many causes of food poisoning that can make you sick. […] Symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild diarrhea to vomiting, and can quickly escalate to the point of being life-threatening. […] Salmonella is usually introduced to foods at a processing plant or when the foods are handled. […] In the past, E. coli was commonly associated with undercooked ground beef, but recently the germ has shown up in other places, as well. […] Campylobacter is identified more often than any other causative agent of gastroenteritis in the United States and Europe.
  • #1 Are You Sure It Wasn’t Food Poisoning? | HomeA Lock
    https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/are-you-sure-it-wasnt-food-poisoning
    The United States food supply is one of the safest in the world; however, that doesn’t mean our food is free from all pathogenic bacteria. […] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, foodborne illness will cause 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths each year. […] While not all bacteria present in food products is harmful (in fact, bacterial species are essential in production of delicious and safe yogurt and cheese products), some have the potential to cause severe illness in certain individuals. […] Causes of Food Poisoning […] When pathogenic bacteria and viruses are present in food, and that food is not properly stored, handled or cooked, it can cause illness. The most common strains of bacteria that cause infection are Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and Listeria. Many of these bacteria are present in raw meat, poultry, and eggs. […] Food poisoning can also be caused by molds or parasites though bacterial infection is the most common. […] Some foodborne illness may also be caused by allergies to a specific food, though food allergy is not necessarily the same thing as food poisoning.
  • #1 Poisoning: First aid
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-poisoning/basics/art-20056657
    Poisoning is injury or death due to swallowing, inhaling, touching or injecting various drugs, chemicals, venoms or gases. Many substances such as drugs and carbon monoxide are poisonous only in higher concentrations or dosages. […] Children are particularly sensitive to even small amounts of certain drugs and chemicals. […] If you suspect poisoning, be alert for clues such as empty pill bottles or packages, scattered pills, and burns, stains and odors on the person or nearby objects. […] Poisoning symptoms can mimic other conditions, such as seizure, alcohol intoxication, stroke and insulin reaction. Symptoms of poisoning may include: […] If the person is at risk of overdose of opioid pain medication and naloxone (Narcan) is available, please administer.
  • #1 What are the most common causes of serious cases of accidental poisoning in children? | Anses – Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail
    https://www.anses.fr/en/content/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning-children
    Produits de nettoyage, mdicaments, appareils de chauffage, piles-boutons font partie de notre quotidien mais peuvent tre sources daccidents pour nos enfants. […] Poisoning mainly occurs in the first few years of life, when children are starting to stand up and reach for products that are not intended for them, but which they can grab on their own; they then tend to put these products in their mouths. […] Laundry detergents, medicines and carbon monoxide are the most common causes of the most serious cases of poisoning. […] Medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicines and cardiovascular drugs are frequently responsible for serious cases of poisoning in children under the age of six years. […] In the home, very young children are particularly vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • #1 Poisoning – Mississippi State Department of Health
    https://msdh.ms.gov/page/43,0,393.html
    More than 90% of child and adult poisonings occur in the home. […] The most common causes of poisoning among young children are: cosmetics and personal care products, household cleaning products, pain relievers. […] Common causes among adults are pain relievers, prescription drugs, sedatives, cleaning products, and antidepressants.
  • #1 Top 5 causes of poisoning in older adults | Louisville, Ky.Norton Healthcare
    https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/top-5-causes-of-poisoning-in-older-adults/
    The top 5 causes of accidental poisonings among older Kentuckians are more common than you think. […] Adults actually account for nearly half of the 60,000 calls to the Kentucky Regional Poison Control Center each year. […] Of those calls, 85 percent are for medication mistakes. […] The most common thing we see is somebody taking someone else’s or a pet’s medication by mistake. […] Medication: Dosage mistakes with heart medicines are the No. 1 reason older adults call the poison control center. […] Other issues involve taking too much pain medication or sedatives (sleep and anxiety medicine), and brushing teeth with arthritis cream or other medication ointments. […] Cosmetics/personal care products: The most common items older adults overdo it on are denture cleaner, hand sanitizer and mouthwash.
  • #1 The Most Common Causes of Accidental Poisoning | Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
    https://www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com/about/blog/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning
    Most poisonings occur at home. […] Accidental poisoning is especially a risk for young children. But this age group is not the only one at risk. Older adults also are at an increased risk of unintentional poisoning. […] Here are some common causes of accidental poisoning: Medicine These may be prescription or over-the-counter drugs. […] Cleaning products Almost all types of cleaning products are made with chemicals that can burn skin and eyes, cause respiratory distress or result in even more serious health issues if ingested. […] Pesticides Whether you have products on hand to kill weeds in your garden or ants in your kitchen, they can be especially toxic to humans. […] Personal hygiene products Those products sitting on your bathroom counter or in your purse, in pretty bottles and with attractive labels, may be toxic in the wrong hands.
  • #1 The Most Common Causes of Accidental Poisoning | Palmdale Regional Medical Center
    https://www.swhpalmdaleregional.com/about/blog/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning
    Most poisonings occur at home. […] Accidental poisoning is especially a risk for young children. But this age group is not the only one at risk. Older adults also are at an increased risk of unintentional poisoning. […] Here are some common causes of accidental poisoning: […] Medicine These may be prescription or over-the-counter drugs. […] Cleaning products Almost all types of cleaning products are made with chemicals that can burn skin and eyes, cause respiratory distress or result in even more serious health issues if ingested. […] Pesticides Whether you have products on hand to kill weeds in your garden or ants in your kitchen, they can be especially toxic to humans. […] Personal hygiene products Those products sitting on your bathroom counter or in your purse, in pretty bottles and with attractive labels, may be toxic in the wrong hands.
  • #1 Poison – Poisoning Symptoms and Treatment | familydoctor.org
    https://familydoctor.org/condition/poisoning/
    What causes poisoning? […] There are a number of substances that are harmful and can cause poisoning. These include: […] Household products and personal care products, like nail polish remover and mouthwash, which is harmful to children […] Cleaning products and detergents […] Paint thinner […] Pesticides and bug spray […] Lawn chemicals, such as herbicides, fertilizers, and fungicides […] Metals, such as lead […] Mercury, which can be found in old thermometers and batteries […] Prescription and over-the-counter medicines when combined or taken the wrong way […] Illegal drugs […] Carbon monoxide gas […] Spoiled food […] Plants, such as poison ivy and poison oak […] Venom from certain snakes and insects.
  • #1 Lead poisoning – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354717
    Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. […] Lead is a metal that occurs naturally in the earth’s crust, but human activity mining, burning fossil fuels and manufacturing has caused it to become more widespread. […] Lead-based paints for homes, children’s toys and household furniture have been banned in the United States since 1978. […] Most lead poisoning in children results from eating chips of deteriorating lead-based paint. […] Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead can release lead particles into tap water. […] Lead sometimes can also be found in soil. […] Household dust can contain lead from lead paint chips or from contaminated soil brought in from outside. […] Lead is sometimes found in toys and other products produced abroad. […] Lead poisoning has been linked to greta and azarcon, traditional Hispanic medicines, as well as some from India, China and other countries. […] Lead can harm an unborn child. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, be especially careful to avoid exposure to lead.
  • #1 Lead Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning
    Lead poisoning occurs when lead is ingested. Breathing in dust that contains lead can also cause it. You cannot smell or taste lead, and its not visible to the naked eye. […] Common sources of lead include: house paint made before 1978, toys and household items painted before 1976, toys made and painted outside the United States, bullets, curtain weights, and fishing sinkers made of lead, pipes and sink faucets, which can contaminate drinking water, soil polluted by car exhaust or chipping house paint, paint sets and art supplies, jewelry, pottery, and lead figures, storage batteries, kohl or kajal eyeliners, some traditional ethnic medicines. […] Children are at the highest risk of lead poisoning, especially if they live in old houses with chipping paint. This is because children are prone to putting objects and fingers in their mouths.
  • #1 Mercury Poisoning: Causes, Effects & Fish | Live Science
    https://www.livescience.com/53837-mercury-poisoning.html
    Mercury is a naturally occurring chemical, but it can become harmful when it contaminates fresh and seawater areas. Fish and other aquatic animals ingest the mercury, and it is then passed along the food chain until it reaches humans. Mercury in humans may cause a wide range of conditions including neurological and chromosomal problems and birth defects. […] „Human activities like coal burning, gold mining and chloralkali manufacturing plants currently contribute the vast majority of the mercury released into our environment,” said Dr. Anne M. Davis, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics director at the Didactic Program in Dietetics of the University of New Haven. […] Negative health effects from methylmercury may include neurological and chromosomal problems. According to the NIH, long-term exposure to organic mercury can cause: uncontrollable shaking or tremor, numbness or pain in certain parts of the skin, blindness and double vision, inability to walk well, memory problems, seizures, death with large exposures.
  • #1 Health Effects of Exposures to Mercury | US EPA
    https://www.epa.gov/mercury/health-effects-exposures-mercury
    Mercury is a neurotoxin. How someone’s health may be affected by an exposure to mercury depends on a number of factors: […] The effects of mercury exposure can be very severe, subtle, or may not occur at all, depending on the factors above. […] Methylmercury, however, is a powerful neurotoxin, and people exposed to high levels may experience adverse health effects. […] Possible symptoms of methylmercury poisoning may include: […] Infants in the womb can be exposed to methylmercury when their mothers eat fish and shellfish that contain methylmercury. This exposure can adversely affect unborn infants’ growing brains and nervous systems. […] Higher exposures may also cause kidney effects, respiratory failure and death. […] Symptoms of high exposures to inorganic mercury include: […] Some people who drink water containing inorganic mercury substantially in excess of the maximum contaminant level for many years could experience kidney damage.
  • #1 Arsenic poisoning: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241860
    Arsenic poisoning, or arsenicosis, happens when a person takes in dangerous levels of arsenic. […] The main cause of arsenic poisoning is the consumption of a toxic amount of arsenic. […] The main cause of arsenic poisoning worldwide is the drinking of groundwater that contains high levels of the toxin. […] Arsenic, consumed in large amounts, can kill a person rapidly. Consumed in smaller amounts over a long period, it can cause serious illness or a prolonged death. […] If proper safety measures are not taken, workers in certain industries may face a higher risk of toxicity. […] The method through which arsenic enters the human body in these industries depends on the way the arsenic is being used. […] The World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that more than 200 million people worldwide are exposed to water that contains potentially unsafe levels of arsenic.
  • #1 Food Poisoning: Signs & Symptoms, Treatment, Causes
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21167-food-poisoning
    Food poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated food. Contaminated means its infected with a toxic organism, like a bacterium, fungus, parasite or virus. Sometimes, the toxic byproducts of these organisms can cause food poisoning. […] You get it by eating or drinking contaminated food, water or other beverages. Food can become contaminated at any stage of production, from harvesting to storage to cooking or preparation. Contamination occurs when food isnt: Fresh. Washed well. Handled in a sanitary way. Cooked to a safe internal temperature. Held at proper temperatures. Refrigerated or frozen promptly. […] Things that may contaminate food and water include: Bacteria. Viruses. Parasites. Fungi. Toxins. Chemicals. […] Some of the most common causes include: Salmonella: Raw eggs and undercooked poultry are common sources of salmonella poisoning. It can also occur from beef, pork, vegetables and processed foods containing these items. Salmonella is the most common bacterial cause of food poisoning in the U.S. It causes the highest number of hospitalizations and deaths from food poisoning. E. coli: Usually found in undercooked meat and raw vegetables, E. coli bacteria produce a toxin that irritates your small intestine. Listeria: Bacteria in soft cheeses, deli meats, hot dogs and raw sprouts can cause listeriosis, an infection thats especially dangerous during pregnancy. Norovirus: You can get norovirus by eating undercooked shellfish, leafy greens or fresh fruits. You can also get it by consuming food prepared by a sick person. This is the virus most commonly associated with stomach flu. Hepatitis A: Viral hepatitis A can be spread through shellfish, fresh produce or water and ice contaminated by poop. Its not a chronic infection like other hepatitis viruses, but it can affect your liver. Staphylococcus: A staph infection occurs when people transfer the staph bacteria from their hands to food. Foods that are often implicated are meats, poultry, milk and dairy products, salads, cream-filled baked goods and sandwich fillings. The bacteria can affect many parts of your body. Campylobacter: This common bacterial infection producing severe GI upset can linger for weeks. Usually, culprits are undercooked poultry, meat or eggs, poorly processed meats, contaminated vegetables and raw (unprocessed) milk or water sources. Its also spread by cross-contamination. Shigella: Shigella bacteria is most typically found in uncooked vegetables, shellfish and cream or mayonnaise-based salads (tuna, potato, macaroni, chicken). It can cause blood or mucus in your diarrhea, which is why the infection is sometimes called bacillary dysentery.
  • #1 Food Poisoning Causes and How It’s Treated
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-poisoning-overview-1958818
    Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is caused by the contamination of food by disease-causing agents (pathogens) such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and natural toxins from molds and certain foods. […] Bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning. Viruses account for around a third of food poisoning cases, while certain parasites, fungi, and natural toxins account for the rest. […] The most common bacterial causes of food poisoning include: Campylobacter jejuni (found in undercooked poultry, raw dairy, and contaminated produce), Clostridium perfringens (sometimes called the „cafeteria bacteria”), Salmonella (often the result of contaminated eggs or poultry), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (often associated with undercooked ground beef or raw milk). […] In addition to direct infection, food poisoning can occur when a bacteria in contaminated food dies and secretes poisons called enterotoxins.
  • #1 Symptoms & Causes of Food Poisoning – NIDDK
    https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes
    What causes food poisoning? […] Infections with microbesviruses, bacteria, and parasitescause most food poisoning. Harmful chemicals also cause some cases of food poisoning. […] Microbes can spread to food at any time while the food is grown, harvested or slaughtered, processed, stored, shipped, or prepared. […] Some harmful microbes may already be present in foods when you buy them. […] If you dont keep raw foodssuch as beef, poultry, seafood, and eggsseparate from other foods, microbes from the raw foods can spread to other foods. […] Microbes can cause food poisoning if you dont take steps to kill or slow the growth of microbes in food. […] Microbes present in the stool or vomit of people who are infected can also spread to food and cause food poisoning. […] Common viruses that cause food poisoning include norovirus and hepatitis A.
  • #1 Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/food-poisoning
    Foodborne illness, typically known as food poisoning, results from eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. […] Most food poisoning can be traced to one of three major causes: bacteria, parasites, and viruses. […] Bacteria are by far the most common cause of food poisoning. Bacterial causes of food poisoning include: E. coli in particular, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium botulinum, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, and Vibrio vulnificus. […] Food poisoning caused by parasites isn’t as common as food poisoning caused by bacteria, but parasites that spread through food are still very dangerous. […] Food poisoning can also be caused by a virus, such as norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, sapovirus, and hepatitis A virus.
  • #1 Food Poisoning: Causes, Its Effects And Control
    https://ideas.repec.org/a/zib/zitecm/v4y2022p42-48.html
    Food poisoning is also known as a foodborne illness caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water containing various bacteria, viruses, protozoa, non-microbial agents like vegetable origin or animal origin, and also toxins of biochemical or chemical nature. The primary source of foodborne illness is bacteria (66%), chemicals (26%), parasites (4%), and viruses (4%). […] Nowadays more people have died from diarrheal diseases caused by the consumption of contaminated food and water. […] To avoid food poisoning we should consume healthy food, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, purified water and avoid junk food which is easily available in the market.
  • #1 Carbon monoxide poisoning – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/carbon-monoxide-poisoning
    Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, nonirritating gas formed by hydrocarbon combustion. CO binds to hemoglobin with much greater affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and resulting in impaired oxygen transport and utilization. CO can also precipitate an inflammatory cascade that results in central nervous system (CNS) lipid peroxidation and delayed neurologic sequelae. […] CO poisoning is estimated to occur in 50,000 people annually in the United States, and non-fire-related smoke inhalation is responsible for most cases. Analysis of aggregated national data from the United States supports an overall mortality of 1 to 3 percent, with a mortality rate that is higher for intentional poisoning than for inadvertent exposure. There are approximately 1000 to 1300 deaths from CO poisoning annually. Intentional CO poisoning accounts for two-thirds of deaths and inadvertent, non-fire related CO poisoning cause the rest.
  • #1 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning in Your Home – MN Dept. of Health
    https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/toxins/index.html
    Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. When people are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules will displace the oxygen in their bodies and lead to poisoning. […] The CDC estimates that approximately 400 people die from unintentional CO exposure in the United States every year. […] Carbon monoxide leaks from appliances can cause poisoning. […] Identifying CO poisoning can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to the flu. CO is often called the silent killer because people will ignore early signs and eventually lose consciousness and be unable to escape to safety. […] Yes, some people are at a greater risk for CO poisoning. Those individuals include people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or emphysema, cardiovascular disease, and anemia or sickle cell anemia. […] The CDC has noted that CO poisoning cases have resulted from the use of power generators during power outages.
  • #1 Carbon monoxide poisoning
    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
    Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, coal and wood do not burn fully. It can happen from household appliances. […] Carbon monoxide levels can rise to dangerous levels due to: blocked flues and chimneys, faulty or blocked car exhausts, smoking shisha pipes indoors, paint fumes. […] Household appliances cause most cases of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide. They may be badly installed, maintained or ventilated. […] Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can cause neurological symptoms. […] Coronary heart disease is a serious condition. It can develop as a result of long-term carbon monoxide exposure.
  • #1 Pesticide Poisoning | Health & Human Services
    https://hhs.iowa.gov/epi-manual-guide-surveillance-investigation-and-reporting/environmental-disease/pesticide-poisoning
    Pesticides are toxic. The health risk to people depends on the toxicity of the pesticide and the amount of exposure. Exposure to pesticides can produce a range of symptoms, depending on the method and length of exposure and type of pesticide. […] Symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning are described below for organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethrins and pyrethroids, arsenicals, fumigants, anti-coagulants, and bipyridilium. […] Organophosphate pesticides cause more cases of occupational poisoning and death than any other single group of pesticides. […] The prognosis varies based on the toxicity of the chemical and the amount, duration, and method of exposure.
  • #1 Common Causes of Poisoning in Children
    https://www.webmd.com/children/what-are-common-causes-poisoning-in-children
    Children are endlessly curious and want to explore, touch, and taste everything they find. Common causes of poisoning in children are in daily use in most households. […] Poisoning in children usually happens at home, when they take in a poisonous substance, breathe it in, or their skin is exposed to it. The poisoning is usually accidental and involves children under the age of 5. […] Some common causes of poisoning in children include medicine, cleaning products, and alcohol. These substances can be toxic in children as their bodies are not as developed as those of adults and they have less defense against the effects of the poison. […] After medicines, pesticides are the most common cause of child poisoning in some parts of the world. […] Most pesticides contain compounds from the chemical classes carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethrins, and pyrethroids, or organochlorine compounds.
  • #1 Principal causes of acute poisoning in an emergency service: experience between 2014 and 2021 at a University Hospital in Southwestern Colombia | Scientific Reports
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-54159-w
    Acute poisonings are a global public health problem, which implies costs and disease burden for society. […] The principal causes of acute poisoning were drugs and pesticides, with a predominant etiology of organophosphates and depressants of the central nervous system. […] In Colombia, 33.165 cases of acute poisoning occurred in 2020. The principal causes were medications, psychoactive substances, and pesticides. […] The main etiological agents were organophosphates, followed by carbamates, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. […] The second agent responsible for the poisoning was medications. […] In our study, the main causes of acute poisoning were drugs and pesticides, with a predominant etiology of organophosphates and depressants of the central nervous system.
  • #1 Lead Poisoning Adults & Lead Poisoning – NYC Health
    https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/lead-poisoning-adults-and-lead-poisoning.page
    Lead exposure can cause high blood pressure and brain, kidney and reproductive health issues in adults. […] The most commonly identified source of lead poisoning in non-pregnant adults is occupational exposure to lead in the construction industry. […] Adults can also be exposed to lead through the use of lead-contaminated products, such as certain imported health remedies, spices, foods, pottery and cosmetics. […] Workers are exposed by breathing lead dust or lead fumes during construction activities that disturb old lead-based paint, such as renovations, repairs, demolition, and clean-up. […] Indoor firing ranges are a known source of lead exposure. […] Some supplements or remedies, imported spices and cosmetics may contain high levels of lead, which can be dangerous to your health. […] Pregnant women and their fetuses may also be at risk for lead poisoning.
  • #1 Food Poisoning: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/175569-overview
    Food poisoning is defined as an illness caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria and/or their toxins, or with parasites, viruses, or chemicals. The most common pathogens are Norovirus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus. […] The pathogenesis of diarrhea in food poisoning is classified broadly into either noninflammatory or inflammatory types. Noninflammatory diarrhea is caused by the action of enterotoxins on the secretory mechanisms of the mucosa of the small intestine, without invasion. This leads to large volume watery stools in the absence of blood, pus, or severe abdominal pain. […] Inflammatory diarrhea is caused by the action of cytotoxins on the mucosa, leading to invasion and destruction. The colon or the distal small bowel commonly is involved.
  • #1 Food poisoning – prevention | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-poisoning-prevention
    Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food and affects a large number of Australians every year. […] Food poisoning occurs when sufficient numbers of particular types of bacteria, or their toxins, are present in the food you eat. These bacteria are called pathogens. […] Pathogens such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E. coli may be found in our food-producing animals. Care in processing, transport, storage, preparing and serving of food is necessary to reduce the risk of contamination. […] Food poisoning bacteria can multiply very quickly, particularly in certain conditions. The factors that affect bacterial growth include: Time – in ideal conditions, one bacterium can multiply to more than 2 million in 7 hours. Temperature – food poisoning bacteria grow best in the temperature range between 5 C and 60 C. This is referred to as the temperature danger zone. This means that we need to keep perishable food either very cold or very hot, in order to avoid food poisoning. Nutrients – most foods contain enough nutrients for bacteria to grow. This is especially the case with potentially high-risk foods such as dairy and egg products, meat, poultry and seafood. Water – bacteria need water for their growth. Without water, growth may slow down or stop. That is why dried foods do not spoil. pH – is the measure of acidity or alkalinity and is also important for controlling bacterial growth. Low pH (acid conditions) generally stops bacterial growth, but where the pH of food is neutral, as is the case for many foods, most bacteria grow quite well.
  • #1 Lead Poisoning | Boston Children’s Hospital
    https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/lead-poisoning
    Lead poisoning occurs when lead a metal that was once a common ingredient in paint and is still used in batteries, pipes, pottery, and even cosmetics builds up in the body. […] The most common causes of lead poisoning are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings. […] How else might my child be exposed to lead? […] Lead paint or dust in homes built before 1978 […] Drinking water contaminated by old pipes. […] Lead is also harmful to adults, who may suffer from: […] Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medications or a hospital stay. Lead poisoning is treatable with a medicine that pulls lead out of the blood. […] It’s most important that you identify and get rid of the source of the lead poisoning.
  • #1 Food Poisoning | Sepsis Alliance
    https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/food-poisoning/
    Food poisoning is the term the general public tends to use when speaking of illnesses caused by eating food that made them ill. A large number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause food poisoning. […] The most common germs that cause food poisoning are: Norovirus, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus. […] The following four germs are not as common, but they cause the most serious illnesses: Clostridium botulinum (botulism), Listeria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Vibrio. […] We cant prevent all infections, including food poisoning. But you can reduce your risk by following these tips: Cook all meat thoroughly, particularly ground beef or mechanically tenderized meat. […] Most cases of food poisoning go away on their own, after the microbes have passed through your body. However, while you are sick, its important to stay hydrated. Frequent diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration. […] I was diagnosed with giardia and sepsis.
  • #1
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health
    Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age. […] Lead exposure was attributed to more than 1.5 million deaths globally in 2021, primarily due to cardiovascular effects. […] There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects. […] The harmful impacts on health from lead exposure are entirely preventable. […] Lead exposure can have serious consequences for the health of children. […] Lead exposure causes a significant burden of disease. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates that more than 1.5 million deaths globally were attributed to lead exposure in 2021, primarily due to cardiovascular effects. […] Lead exposure was estimated to account for more than 33 million years lost to disability (disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs) worldwide in 2021.
  • #2 Common Causes of Poisoning (11.10.2013)
    https://di.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article/147489
    In 2011, German hospitals treated approximately 205 000 patients suffering from acute poisoning. […] The causes and scientific understanding of poisoning change over time, and with them the opportunities for its correct diagnosis and treatment. […] The causes of acute poisoning change over time. Some substances that were once very common causes of poisoning are now only rarely so: These include barbiturates, older types of rodenticide (thallium compounds), and alkyl phosphate insecticides such as parathion. […] The official cause-of-death statistics for Germany in the year 2011 included 1987 deaths (0.23% of all deaths) that were classified under the ICD-10 codes T3650 (medications, illegal drugs, biologically active substances) and 1296 (0.15%) that were classified under codes T5165 (substances of non-medical use).
  • #2 Common Causes of Poisoning: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3813891/
    The statistics compiled by the German poison information centers (Giftinformationszentren, GIZ) are based on a more detailed classification and thus enable a finer analysis. […] Manifest intoxications often arose after the ingestion of medications, illegal drugs, and chemical products. […] The poison information centers offer assistance with the proper choice of laboratory tests, the selection and transport of samples, determination of a laboratory that can perform the necessary tests at once, and logistical support so that the case can be dealt with rapidly. […] Most patients suffering from intoxication are treated purely symptomatically. […] The administration of an effective antidote is considered the ideal treatment of poisoning. […] The ongoing collection of data by poison information centers is useful for the refinement of surveillance measures and also serves as a point of departure for research projects whose findings can be incorporated into future treatment recommendations.
  • #2 Common Causes of Poisoning (11.10.2013)
    https://di.aerzteblatt.de/int/archive/article/147489
    The statistics compiled by the German poison information centers (Giftinformationszentren, GIZ) are based on a more detailed classification and thus enable a finer analysis. […] Manifest intoxications often arose after the ingestion of medications, illegal drugs, and chemical products. […] One of the tasks of poison information centers is to detect poisoning arising from any new medication by observing the increasing incidence of poisoning with it as the prescription frequency rises (pharmacovigilance). […] Most intoxications can be treated symptomatically and with intensive-care measures as needed. Specific, effective measures directed against the particular offending substance can be used to treat only a small minority of patients.
  • #2 Accidental Poisoning | Texoma Medical Center, Denison, Texas
    https://texomamedicalcenter.net/about/blog/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning-0/
    Cleaning products – Almost all types of cleaning products are made with chemicals that can burn skin and eyes, cause respiratory distress or result in even more serious health issues if ingested. […] Pesticides – Whether you have products on hand to kill weeds in your garden or ants in your kitchen, they can be especially toxic to humans. […] Personal hygiene products – Those products sitting on your bathroom counter or in your purse, in pretty bottles and with attractive labels, may be toxic in the wrong hands. […] Alcohol – Not only are alcoholic drinks dangerous to children because their bodies are not yet capable of metabolizing the alcohol, but alcohol may also be found in other products. […] Recreational drugs – As with medications, recreational drugs can be an extreme health hazard if consumed by young children.
  • #2 Lead poisoning – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning
    Causes of environmental contamination include lead-based paint that is deteriorating, renovation, repair or painting activities, industrial use of lead, and burning of joss paper. Lead exposure can occur from contact with lead in air, household dust, soil, water, and commercial products. […] In adults, occupational exposure is the main cause of lead poisoning. People can be exposed when working in facilities that produce a variety of lead-containing products; these include radiation shields, ammunition, certain surgical equipment, and plumbing. […] Lead may be found in food when food is grown in soil that is high in lead, airborne lead contaminates the crops, or lead enters the food either from what it was stored or cooked in. […] Some lead compounds are colorful and are used widely in paints, and lead paint is a major route of lead exposure in children. Deteriorating lead paint can produce dangerous lead levels in household dust and soil.
  • #2 Food Poisoning (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/food-poisoning.html
    People with health conditions (like chronic kidney disease) or weakened immune systems are more at risk of getting ill from food poisoning than people who are in good health. […] Germs that often cause food poisoning include: Salmonella bacteria are the leading cause of food poisoning in the United States. […] E. coli bacteria usually get into food or water when they come into contact with animal feces. […] Listeria bacteria are mostly found in unpasteurized dairy products, smoked seafood, and processed meats like hot dogs and lunchmeats. […] Campylobacter bacteria most commonly infect meat, poultry, and unpasteurized milk. […] Staphylococcus aureus bacteria spread through hand contact, sneezing, or coughing. […] Shigella bacteria can infect seafood or raw fruits and vegetables.
  • #2 Food Poisoning (for Teens) | Nemours KidsHealth
    https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/food-poisoning.html
    People with health conditions (like chronic kidney disease) or weakened immune systems are more at risk of getting ill from food poisoning than people who are in good health. […] Germs that often cause food poisoning include: Salmonella, E. coli (Escherichia coli), Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, Hepatitis A, and Noroviruses. […] Food poisoning (especially dehydration) can be more serious for people with weakened immune systems or health conditions.
  • #2 Symptoms & Causes of Food Poisoning – NIDDK
    https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes
    Many types of bacteria can cause food poisoning, including certain types of Salmonella, certain types of Clostridium, including the common C. perfringens and the less common C. botulinum, which causes an illness called botulism, certain types of Campylobacter, including C. jejuni, Staphylococcus aureus, also called staph, Escherichia coli, also called E. coli, certain types of Vibrio, Listeria monocytogenes, also called Listeria. […] Parasites that cause food poisoning include Toxoplasma gondii, which causes an illness called toxoplasmosis, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, which causes an illness called cryptosporidiosis or crypto. […] Harmful chemicals may be present in certain foods, including fish and shellfish that contain toxins produced by algae or bacteria, certain types of wild mushrooms, unwashed produce that contains large amounts of chemical pesticides.
  • #2 Food Poisoning Causes and How It’s Treated
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/food-poisoning-overview-1958818
    In the United States, there are four viruses that account for the lion’s share of viral food poisoning cases: Norovirus (which accounts for more than half of all cases), Hepatitis A, Enterovirus, Rotavirus (the most common cause in children). […] Most parasites associated with food poisoning are zoonoses. These are parasites transmitted from infected animals or fish to humans. […] Mycotoxins are a type of poison secreted by fungi. […] Poisonous mushrooms are among the most well-known foods to contain natural toxins. But, there are many produced by beans, fish, and shellfish that can also cause food poisoning. […] Food poisoning is caused when foods are contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins from mold and certain mushrooms, seafood, or fish.
  • #2 Carbon monoxide poisoning – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/carbon-monoxide-poisoning
    CO is produced from incomplete combustion of fuels. Potential sources of CO include: Smoke inhalation from fires. Poorly functioning heating systems. Improperly vented fuel-burning devices (eg, kerosene heaters, charcoal grills, camping stoves, gasoline-powered electrical generators). Motor vehicles operating in poorly ventilated areas. Open air exposure to motorboat exhaust. Underground electrical cable fires that produce large amounts of CO, which can seep into adjacent buildings and homes. Hookah (waterpipe) use. Inhaled or ingested methylene chloride (dichloromethane), an industrial solvent and a component of paint remover, is hepatically metabolized to CO and can cause CO toxicity in the absence of ambient CO. […] CO poisoning causes impaired oxygen delivery and utilization as well as generation of reactive oxygen species. CO diffuses rapidly across the pulmonary capillary membrane. Elimination is dependent upon the degree of oxygenation and, to a lesser extent, minute ventilation.
  • #2 The Most Common Causes of Accidental Poisoning | Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
    https://www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com/about/blog/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning
    Alcohol Not only are alcoholic drinks dangerous to children because their bodies are not yet capable of metabolizing the alcohol, but alcohol may also be found in other products. […] Recreational drugs As with medications, recreational drugs can be an extreme health hazard if consumed by young children.
  • #2 The Most Common Causes of Accidental Poisoning | Palmdale Regional Medical Center
    https://www.swhpalmdaleregional.com/about/blog/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning
    Alcohol Not only are alcoholic drinks dangerous to children because their bodies are not yet capable of metabolizing the alcohol, but alcohol may also be found in other products. […] Recreational drugs As with medications, recreational drugs can be an extreme health hazard if consumed by young children.
  • #2 What are the most common causes of serious cases of accidental poisoning in children? | Anses – Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail
    https://www.anses.fr/en/content/most-common-causes-accidental-poisoning-children
    Between 2014 and 2020, cases of poisoning due to the ingestion of cannabis increased in frequency, particularly in children under one year of age, and also in severity: the percentage of admissions to intensive care doubled for children under the age of six years (from 5% to 11%). […] In addition, button batteries are an example of small objects that are particularly dangerous if swallowed, as they cause potentially fatal oesophageal lesions.
  • #2 Types of Poisoning in Children | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/poisoning-in-children/types
    Poisoning can occur from the ingestion or inhalation of household substances, such as bleach or toilet bowl cleaner, laundry detergent pods, pesticides or insecticides, glue, paint thinners and removers, and oven and drain cleaners. […] Poisoning from these items can cause damage to a child’s gastrointestinal tract or airway. […] Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas, may be emitted from fuel-burning appliances that aren’t working properly or aren’t properly vented. […] Low concentrations of carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as fatigue and nausea. […] Higher concentrations can cause difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and heart damage. […] Some indoor and outdoor plants contain toxins that can affect the stomach, heart, liver, respiratory system, or skin.
  • #2 Food Poisoning: Signs & Symptoms, Treatment, Causes
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21167-food-poisoning
    You may be more likely to get sick from food poisoning or have a more severe reaction to food poisoning if your immune system isnt as strong as average. Things that can impact your immunity include: Age. Children under the age of 5 have immature immune systems. Mature immune systems begin to decline after the age of 65. Pregnancy. Pregnancy is demanding on your body, leaving you with fewer resources than usual to fight off infections. Chronic illnesses. Many chronic conditions can affect your immunity, including infections, cancer, immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Medications. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can repress your immune system and make you more prone to illness. […] While complications from food poisoning are rare, they can be severe and, in some cases, even fatal. Severe dehydration is the most common risk, but some specific types of infections can cause other specific complications. For example: Miscarriage and stillbirth: Listeria infection is especially dangerous for a developing fetus because the bacteria can cause neurological damage and death. Kidney damage: E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and kidney failure. Arthritis: Salmonella and campylobacter bacteria can cause chronic arthritis and joint damage. Nervous system and brain damage: Some bacteria or viruses can cause a brain infection called meningitis. Others like campylobacter can cause a neurological disorder called Guillain-Barr syndrome.
  • #2 Lead Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
    https://www.healthline.com/health/lead-poisoning
    Lead poisoning is diagnosed with a blood lead test. This test is performed on a standard blood sample. […] The first step of treatment is to locate and remove the source of the lead. Keep children away from the source. If it cannot be removed, it should be sealed. […] Even with treatment, it can be hard to reverse the effects of chronic exposure.
  • #2 The Top 7 Causes of Food Poisoning Explained
    https://blog.foodsafety.com.au/top-7-causes-of-food-poisoning
    In severe cases, listeria infections can lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning) or meningitis (an infection in the brain). […] Staphylococcus aureus, also known as S. aureus or golden staph, is a common bacterium that lives on the skin, in the mouth and in the nose. […] Humans and animals are the primary sources of staphylococci and food handlers have a high risk of spreading the bacteria and causing food poisoning. […] Trichinosis is a roundworm infection that lives and reproduces inside a host body. […] E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that lives in the digestive systems of humans and animals. […] Humans can develop an E. coli infection when they come into contact with animal or human faeces. […] Campylobacter bacteria can cause a food poisoning called campylobacteriosis.
  • #2 Mercury Poisoning: Causes, Effects & Fish | Live Science
    https://www.livescience.com/53837-mercury-poisoning.html
    „Most notable are the effects of mercury on the brain,” said Aimee Phillippi, a professor of biology at Unity College in Unity, Maine. „Mercury poisoning can result in hearing and vision changes, personality changes, memory problems, seizures or paralysis. When children are exposed to mercury, they may have developmental or muscle coordination problems. Mercury interferes with the calcium channels that cells, especially nerve and muscle cells, use to carry out their functions.” […] The toxicity of methylmercury may also have reproductive consequences. Pregnant woman who eat fish and seafood contaminated with methylmercury may have the increased risk of having a miscarriage, or having a baby with deformities or severe nervous system diseases. These birth defects can happen even if the mother doesn’t seem to be poisoned. […] A study by the Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia, found that eating food contaminated with methylmercury can even alter the chromosomes in humans.
  • #3 Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness | Fight BAC!
    https://fightbac.org/food-poisoning/causes-symptoms/
    Source of Foodborne Illness: C. perfringens is unique as it can survive cooking and multiplies rapidly when food is held at temperatures between 120 and 130F, as during cool down and storage of prepared foods. Meats and meat products are the foods most frequently implicated. Foods like gravies and stuffing must be kept above 140 F to prevent contamination. […] Source of Foodborne Illness: Salmonella are present in human and animal digestive systems and can contaminate food or water. Raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products, shrimp, frog legs, yeast, coconut, pasta and chocolate are most frequently involved. […] Source of Foodborne Illness: Shigella bacteria are found in the stool of humans infected with diarrheal illness. Food becomes contaminated when a human carrier does not wash hands and then handles liquid or food that is not thoroughly cooked afterwards. Organisms multiply when contaminated food is left at room temperature. Commonly implicated food vehicles are milk and dairy products, poultry, and potato salad.
  • #3 Types of Poisoning in Children | NYU Langone Health
    https://nyulangone.org/conditions/poisoning-in-children/types
    Alcohol intoxication can affect children who drink alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and liquor. […] In children, alcohol poisoning can cause low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures and coma. […] The liquid nicotine solution used in e-cigarettes can be poisonous if a child ingests it or if it comes in contact with the skin. […] Poisoning from illicit substances can cause serious health consequences, including changes in alertness and responsiveness, slow or depressed breathing, unconsciousness, and seizures. […] Exposure to these poisons can affect the respiratory and central nervous systems. […] Batteries may contain alkaline chemicals that can leak or generate an electrical current, which can cause burns or holes in the esophagus. […] Some personal care products, such as nail polish remover or perfume, can be poisonous if ingested.
  • #3 Carbon monoxide poisoning – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/carbon-monoxide-poisoning
    CO binds to the iron moiety of heme (and other porphyrins) with approximately 240 times the affinity of oxygen forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). This induces an allosteric change that greatly diminishes the ability of the other three oxygen binding sites in hemoglobin to off-load oxygen to peripheral tissues. This results in a deformation and leftward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, and compounds the impairment in tissue oxygen delivery. […] CO also inactivates cytochrome oxidase in a manner similar to cyanide. CO and cyanide poisoning can occur simultaneously in patients following smoke inhalation, and their combined effects on oxygen transport and utilization appear to be synergistic. […] CO results in superoxide generation and oxidative stress, which likely contributes to lipid peroxidation and neurologic injury.
  • #4 Causes and types of food poisoning
    https://www.mymed.com/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning-foodborne-illness/causes-and-types-of-food-poisoning
    Clostridium. botulinum (botulism) causes intoxication: This is a very rare cause of food poisoning, however, when it does occur, it is potentially life-threatening. […] Clostridium perfringens causes a toxin-mediated infection: This infectious agent is often traced back to meat foodstuffs. […] Shigella results in an infection referred to Shigellosis: Responsible for travellers diarrhoea in developing countries and often causing food poisoning in childcare and educational institutions. […] Staphylococcus aureus causes intoxication: This bacterium can cause food poisoning when a person preparing food contaminates it. […] Bacillus Cereus (or B.Cereus) causes intoxication: This bacterium is known to produce toxins that cause food poisoning. […] Viruses which can cause contamination, can in rare instances, be life-threatening, they are all classified as foodborne infections. […] A parasite which contaminates food can become fairly dangerous. […] Poisoning can also occur via contamination with certain chemicals which come into contact with various foods. Examples of chemicals which cause food poisoning due to intoxication include:
  • #4 Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness | Fight BAC!
    https://fightbac.org/food-poisoning/causes-symptoms/
    Source of Foodborne Illness: Approximately one-fourth of people and animals naturally carry Staph; they can contaminate food through improper handwashing. When contaminated food is left too long at room temperature, toxins are produced. Meats, poultry, egg products, tuna, potato and macaroni salads, and cream-filled pastries are good environments for these bacteria to produce toxins. […] Source of Foodborne Illness: The bacteria live in coastal waters and can infect humans either through open wounds or through consumption of contaminated seafood, particularly raw or undercooked shellfish and oysters. The bacteria are most numerous in warm weather. […] Source of Foodborne Illness: E. histolytica exist in the intestinal tract of humans and are expelled in feces. Water and vegetables grown in contaminated soil spread the infection. Amebiases is most common in individuals who live or travel in tropical areas with inadequate sanitation.
  • #4 Carbon monoxide poisoning – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/carbon-monoxide-poisoning
    The syndrome of delayed neurologic sequelae (DNS) includes variable degrees of cognitive deficits, personality changes, movement disorders, and focal neurologic deficits. DNS occurs in 15 to 40 percent of patients with significant CO exposure. DNS is reported to arise 3 to 240 days after apparent recovery, generally occurring within 20 days of CO poisoning. Deficits may persist for a year or longer. […] Long-term mortality is increased if CO poisoning causes myocardial injury. Long-term follow-up of a cohort of patients with moderate to severe CO poisoning who sustained acute myocardial injury noted a mortality rate of 24 percent. Mortality among patients with myocardial injury was more than twice that of poisoned patients without evidence of such injury and was estimated to be triple the expected rate for a comparable non-poisoned cohort.
  • #5 Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness | Fight BAC!
    https://fightbac.org/food-poisoning/causes-symptoms/
    Source of Foodborne Illness: G. lamblia is a parasite passed in the stools of those infected. Giardiasis occurs when one consumes these bacteria, most frequently from contaminated water or surfaces. It may also be transmitted by uncooked foods that become contaminated while growing or after cooking by infected food handlers. Cool, moist conditions favor the organisms survival. […] Source of Foodborne Illness: Norovirus is an extremely common cause of foodborne illness, and the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis. However, it is rarely diagnosed because the laboratory test is not widely available. Norwalk-like virus spreads primarily from one infected person to another. Infected persons can contaminate foods such as salads and sandwiches as they prepare it if they have the virus on their hands.