A poison or poisonous agent is called what?

A poison or poisonous agent is called what?

• A. Poison
• B. Hazard
• C. Toxicant
• D. Toxin

Answer: (A)

The key idea is distinguishing everyday terminology in toxicology. A poison is any substance capable of causing harm or death when exposure occurs. Saying “a poison or poisonous agent” is essentially defining the term itself, so the direct label is poison. A toxin is a poisonous substance derived from a living source (like animal venoms or bacterial toxins), which is too specific for all poisons. A toxicant is a broad umbrella that includes any poisonous substance, including synthetic ones, but that is less direct than simply calling it a poison. Hazard is about the potential for harm, not the material itself, so it doesn’t refer to a substance. So the appropriate term for a poison or poisonous agent is poison.

The key idea is distinguishing everyday terminology in toxicology. A poison is any substance capable of causing harm or death when exposure occurs. Saying “a poison or poisonous agent” is essentially defining the term itself, so the direct label is poison.

A toxin is a poisonous substance derived from a living source (like animal venoms or bacterial toxins), which is too specific for all poisons. A toxicant is a broad umbrella that includes any poisonous substance, including synthetic ones, but that is less direct than simply calling it a poison. Hazard is about the potential for harm, not the material itself, so it doesn’t refer to a substance.

So the appropriate term for a poison or poisonous agent is poison.