What is the Difference Between Poison and Toxin?

The main difference between poison and toxin lies in their definition and method of delivery. Here are the key distinctions:

1. Poison: Poisons are any chemical substances that cause harm to organisms when sufficient quantities are absorbed, inhaled, or ingested. They can be synthesized or produced by human activity and are not necessarily biologically produced. Poisons can be classified according to their effects on specific body parts or systems, such as hemotoxins, phototoxins, and neurotoxins.
2. Toxin: Toxins are biologically produced chemical substances that impact biological functions in other organisms. They are naturally occurring organic poisons produced by metabolic activities of living cells or organisms. A toxin is not defined by a specific method of delivery and has a broader meaning than poison.

In summary:

• Poisons are any chemical substances that impact biological functions in other organisms.
• Toxins are biologically produced chemical substances that impact biological functions in other organisms.
• Toxicants are synthesized chemical substances that impact biological functions in other organisms.

Another related term is "venom," which is a toxin that gets into the body by being injected, usually by a bite or a sting. Venomous creatures inject chemical substances that impact biological functions in other organisms.

Comparative Table: Poison vs Toxin

The main difference between a poison and a toxin lies in their origins and production. Here is a comparison between the two:

In summary, all toxins are poisons, but not all poisons are toxins. Toxins are produced by living organisms and are considered a specific type of poison. Poisons, on the other hand, can have various origins and can be found in different forms.