Toxins, Poisons, and Venoms

Abstract

Today, when we think of toxic substances, synthetic chemicals tend to come to mind. But in order to understand human-made toxic compounds, technically known as toxicants, it is helpful to first look at toxins, those toxic compounds that occur naturally. Naturally occurring toxins can be further segregated into poisons, the chemicals that enter the body via contact between host and victim, and venoms, the chemicals that are injected into the victim’s body via stingers, fangs, or teeth.

Bee stings are very educational.

— Garth Nix