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.
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