Poisoning is caused by swallowing, injecting, breathing in, or otherwise being exposed to a harmful substance. Most poisonings occur by accident.

In a poisoning emergency, immediate first aid is very important. The first aid you give before getting medical help can save a person's life.

Approximately 2.5 million poisonings are reported to U.S. poison control centers every year, with nearly 1,000 reported deaths.

It is important to note that just because a package does not have a warning label doesn't mean it is safe. You should consider poisoning if someone suddenly becomes sick for no apparent reason, or if the person is found near a furnace, car, fire, or in an area that is not well ventilated.

Symptoms of poisoning may take time to develop. However, if you think someone has been poisoned, do not wait for symptoms to develop before getting that person medical help.

Items that can cause poisoning include:

• Medicines (such as an aspirin overdose)
• Household detergents and cleaning products
• Carbon monoxide gas (from furnaces, gas engines, fires, space heaters)
• Household plants (eating toxic plants)
• Paints (swallowing or breathing in fumes)
• Insecticides
• Illicit drug overdose (accidental or intentional)
• Chemicals in the workplace
• Certain foods (see:Food poisoning)

Symptoms vary according to the poison, but may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Bluish lips
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Drowsiness
• Fever
• Headache
• Heart palpitations
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of bladder control
• Muscle twitching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash or burns
• Stupor
• Unconsciousness
• Unusual breath odor
• Weakness