Poison is any chemical substance that can cause harm or death to living organisms. This term has a specific definition in various scientific fields and industries, but it can also be used casually or figuratively with a broader meaning.
1910: Figurative Use of "Poison" for Persons
Figuratively referring to persons as poison emerged in 1910.
1913: "Poison-Pen Letter" in Pennsylvania Criminal Case
The figurative term "poison-pen letter" gained prominence in 1913 due to a high-profile criminal case in Pennsylvania, U.S.
1915: First Use of "Poison Gas"
The term "poison gas" was first used in 1915.
1990: Global Poisoning Deaths
In 1990, there were 120,000 deaths worldwide due to poisoning.
2006: Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko
The 2006 poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko using radiological substances highlighted the potential use of such poisons for assassination attempts.
2010: Poisoning Deaths and Emergency Department Visits
In 2010, poisoning caused about 180,000 deaths. In the United States, there were around 727,500 emergency department visits related to poisoning, accounting for 3.3% of all injury-related visits.
2013: Global Unintentional Poisoning Statistics
In 2013, there were 3.3 million cases of unintentional human poisonings, resulting in 98,000 deaths worldwide.
Mentioned in this timeline
Pennsylvania is a U S state located in the Mid-Atlantic...
Trending
4 hours ago Legal Challenges Mount Over Trump Administration's $810 Million Pocket Rescission of Congressional Funding
4 hours ago John Oliver Criticizes Flávio Bolsonaro and Analyzes Brazil's Upcoming Presidential Election
4 hours ago Mirra Andreeva Competes in WTA Beijing Tournament Amidst Significant Ranking Surge
4 hours ago Palmer Luckey and Musk Advise Pentagon on Future Warfare and New Drone Command
4 hours ago Macklin Celebrini Named Alternate Captain for San Jose Sharks 2026-27 Season
5 hours ago Vladimir Putin Warns West and Rules Out Ukraine Ceasefire During Moscow Speech
Popular
Jameis Winston is an American football quarterback currently playing for...
Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as...
Sylvester Stallone is an iconic American actor screenwriter and filmmaker...
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll the Queen of Latin Music is...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Peter Thiel is a prominent American entrepreneur venture capitalist and...