veneno

Veneno is a substance that can cause harm or death to living organisms. In toxicology, the term covers both poisons and venoms. A poison is a toxic substance that can cause injury or death when ingested, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or otherwise introduced into the body, whereas a venom is a toxin produced by an organism and delivered by a specialized mechanism such as a bite, sting, or spray. The actual effect depends on the dose, the route of exposure, the chemical nature of the toxin, and the susceptibility of the exposed species.

Etymology and usage: veneno comes from Latin venenum meaning poison; in Spanish, the word broadly denotes any toxic substance and is used for both natural and synthetic poisons, with venenoso describing poisonous characteristics.

Sources and types: poisons occur in plants (for example ricin from castor beans; aconitine from monkshood), in minerals or chemicals (arsenic, cyanide), and in synthetic compounds. Venoms are produced by animals such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, or cone snails and are delivered by fangs, stingers, or other delivery systems. Not all toxins are venoms, and not all venoms are deadly to every species.

Medical aspects: the danger of a toxin depends on amount, exposure route, and the victim’s physiology. Management ranges from observation for mild cases to specific antidotes or antivenoms for certain venoms and poisons, decontamination when appropriate, and supportive care. In suspected poisoning or envenomation, call emergency services or a poison control center. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by professionals.

See also: toxicology, antivenom, poison control.