History of Poison in Timeline

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Poison

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.