Tag: Poisoning symptoms

Starfruit, or carambola, is a popular tropical fruit, yet studies show its consumption can be toxic, especially for individuals with compromised kidney function. The potential side effects of eating starfruit are primarily linked to two harmful substances that build up in the body when not properly processed by the kidneys.

In a 2020 case report, a 66-year-old woman experienced severe gastric necrosis after accidentally ingesting approximately 70 grams of calcium chloride from a dehumidifier. This illustrates the potential for severe harm, but the risks of ingestion depend heavily on the concentration, form, and intended use of the substance.

According to a study conducted in Switzerland, horse chestnut poisoning can cause severe symptoms within 15–30 minutes of ingesting just one to four seeds. This highlights the serious and rapid side effects of eating horse chestnuts, which contain the poisonous compound aesculin. Unknowingly consuming this toxic nut can lead to significant health risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dangers involved.

Raw apricot kernels contain amygdalin, a compound that the body converts into the highly toxic substance cyanide. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) indicates that consuming a small number of raw kernels can exceed a safe cyanide dose for an adult. Knowing how many apricot kernels are safe to eat is essential for preventing cyanide poisoning.

While the trace mineral copper is essential for human health, copper chloride is a toxic chemical compound that is not meant for dietary consumption. Its use in medicine is strictly limited to controlled, intravenous applications for patients with severe deficiencies and should never be ingested as a general health supplement.

While prized in Asian cuisine for their distinct texture and flavor, ginkgo nuts are highly toxic when fresh and raw, and can even be lethal if consumed improperly. The raw nuts contain a neurotoxin known as ginkgotoxin (4'-methoxypyridoxine) which disrupts the body's vitamin B6 metabolism and can cause convulsions and death. Proper processing and cooking are essential to reduce their toxicity, and consumption must always be limited to small quantities.

Just one Brazilian nut can contain more than the recommended daily intake of selenium, making it both a nutritional powerhouse and a potential hazard if consumed in excess. This unusual concentration of a single mineral is the core reason why moderation is key when enjoying this buttery seed from the Amazon rainforest.

Overdosing on sodium sulphate can cause severe dehydration and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. As an osmotic laxative, eating sodium sulphate draws water into the intestines to induce watery diarrhea, a process that, when uncontrolled, carries significant health risks.

The lethal dose of sodium nitrite can vary widely among individuals, with estimates ranging from 330 to 2600 mg in adults, based on case reports. Understanding how much nitrite is toxic to humans is crucial, as excessive exposure can lead to a dangerous and life-threatening condition called methemoglobinemia.

Over 30 different cardiac glycosides, including the potent convallatoxin, are the poisonous substances found in the beautiful and fragrant lily-of-the-valley. This plant's deceptive charm hides its significant toxicity, which can pose a serious risk to both humans and animals if ingested.