The following list is my estimation of the poisons most widely used in murders. Murder by poison is now extremely rare because modern forensic techniques make it possible to identify all toxic agents no matter now little remains in a corpse. Arsenic : known in Roman times and used to poison rivals and even emperors. White arsenic, which is arsenic oxide, is a water-soluble, tasteless solid easily added to drinks.
This material was obtained as a by-product of copper and lead refining. In the s arsenic compounds became widely available — as weed-killers, flypapers, rat poisons, etc. In small doses this chemical causes hallucinations and was used for this purpose as long ago as ancient Greece. In larger doses it was reputed to be one of the favourite poisons of would-be murderers in Medieval Europe and the juice of only a few berries is fatal. The symptoms it produces would be easily mistaken for one of the many fevers which afflicted people in those days.
However, if it enters the lungs, it can cause a pneumonia-like condition; irreversible, permanent lung damage; and even death. Some hydrocarbons can cause other effects, including coma, seizures, irregular heart rhythms or damage to the kidneys or liver. Examples of products that contain dangerous hydrocarbons include some solvents used in paints and dry cleaning and household cleaning chemicals.
Many hydrocarbon products do not have child-resistant packaging. This increases the risk that children may drink them. Since , CPSC is aware of five fatalities and an estimated 6, emergency room visits involving children under 5 years old who drank hydrocarbons. New packaging requirements allow companies twelve months to change their packaging. Therefore, these products may be in our home without child-resistant packaging.
UConn Health. Search University of Connecticut. A to Z Index. Personal care products : This includes products like mouthwash, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume, cosmetics, nail polish and nail polish removers. Alcohols : These may include products such as regular drinking alcohol, rubbing alcohol, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze. Heart and blood pressure medicines : Medicines that are taken for certain heart conditions and to lower your blood pressure can be very dangerous if a young child gets into them by mistake, or if not taken as prescribed.
They are in a variety of street drugs but can also be found in prescription medicines such as some used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. Not all street drugs are stimulants: some are depressants "downers" or hallucinogens. There is no established "safe" amount of consumption for street drugs. Vitamins : Many people believe that vitamins are natural remedies and therefore cannot be toxic, but some vitamins can actually be very harmful if taken in a large quantity.
Anti-seizure medicines : Medicines to control seizure activity can be dangerous when taken incorrectly. Top Children younger than 6 years of age Household cleaners : Bleach, all-purpose cleaners, detergents and disinfectants are easily accessed and often not stored safely.
Please see the page "Poison prevention" to learn about storing these products safely. Pain relievers : These medicines often contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Foreign bodies : Although these are not actually poisonous substances, they can still be hazardous due to the risk of choking or obstruction becoming stuck during digestion.
Vitamins : Make sure to teach young children that vitamins are medicine. Plants : Young children will often be tempted to bite into a leaf of a plant.
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