Question

recall and describe the four routes of entry for poisons.

Answer 1

FOUR ROUTES FOR ENTRY OF POISONS

There are four routes through which a poison can get inside the body​.They are:

1. INHALATION
2. ABSORPTION
3. INGESTION
4. INJECTION

INHALATION

This is the most common route of entry for poison, the most chemical which are in form of vapor,gases,mists or particulates.The poison which is once inhaled through the nose either get deposited in respiratory tract or exhaled out.When it is deposited in the respiratory tract it may directly cause tissue damage or it will diffuse in blood and raech to other parts of body.The effects may range frpm mild to severe for example,irritation to severe tissue damage and if the poison circulated in the blood then any organ which is sensitive to this drug may have effects.

ABSORPTION

Absorption mainly occured through eyes or skin .The chemical substance which enter the body through the skin may lead to irritations,redness,burning,mild dermatitis if more severe it will lead to tissue damege and other severe conditions.The eyes are always sensitive towards the chemical and according to the severity and the amount of chemical the effects on eye also change. Moreover most of these chemicals can cross the skin barrier were they will reach to the blood stream and cause the poisonous effect in the whole body.

INGESTION

Chemicals may be swallowed through mouth which will not create a severe effect until the substance is irritating or corrosive.There are chemical which get ingested but excreated becuase they are not soluble in GI fluids,others can absorbed and reach to blood stream and may lead to damage of internal organs.

INJECTION

Chemicals may enter the body through skin penetration or by punctured contaminated sharps.Effects will be quick when compare to other routes if the poison reach the blood stream directly through an object.