Asphyxiant
Definition
A poison that interferes with oxygen delivery or use. Simple asphyxiants (CO2, methane) displace oxygen; chemical asphyxiants (CO, HCN, H2S) block haemoglobin or cytochrome oxidase.
Related terms
- Corrosive
- A poison that destroys tissue at the point of contact by acid, alkali or oxidising action. Concentrated H2SO4, HCl, HNO3 and NaOH...
- Irritant
- A poison that inflames mucous membranes and gut lining without dissolving them outright. Includes inorganic irritants (arsenic, antimony, copper sulphate, phosphorus) and...
- Manner of Poisoning
- The medico-legal label for how the poison reached the victim: accidental, suicidal or homicidal. Decided by the IO and the magistrate, not...
- Neurotoxic
- A poison whose primary target is nervous tissue. Subdivided by site of action into cerebral (alcohol, opioids), spinal (strychnine, gelsemium) and peripheral...
- Poison
- Paracelsus framed the working definition in 1538 as 'sola dosis facit venenum', the dose alone makes the poison. Any substance, including water...
Explained in
- Classification of Poisons by Origin, Action and Chemical NatureA poison that interferes with oxygen delivery or use. Simple asphyxiants (CO2, methane) displace oxygen; chemical asphyxiants (CO, HCN, H2S) block haemoglobin...