Poison Activity Analysis

In this activity we were given six types of poison along with the task of defining what a poison is, common sources of poison and finding the effects of poison on a person.

Research

·         Define a poison:

o   A poison is any substance that can cause harm (sickness, injury or death) when it is introduced into or absorbed by an organism.

·         Common sources of poison:

o   Food poisoning

o   Medication

o   Venom (scorpions, snakes, spiders, etc.)

o   Iodine (This can be a poison for people who may have thyroid problems.)

o   Cyanide

o   Common household chemicals (bleach, etc.)

o   Certain gases (such as chloride, etc.)

o   Pesticides

o   Sugar (For diabetics)

·         Signs of poisoning:

o   Trouble breathing

o   Confusion

o   Nausea

o   Vomiting

o   Abnormal skin color

o   Increased heart rate

·         How do you test for poisoning?

o   KI testing for lead

o   Starch to test for iodine

o   Acid to test for chromate

o   KSCN to test for iron

Experiment results:

Station 1: Metal Poisoning:

When metals are ingested or are dissolved into the bloodstream, it can be fatal.

	KI	KSCN	Acid
1	Positive for Lead	Negative	Negative
2	Negative	Positive for Iron	Negative
3	Negative	Negative	Positive for Cr

Station 2: Sugars

Sugars can be harmful, if it is ingested in large amounts, to diabetics.

	1	2	3
Benedict Solution	Negative	Negative	Negative

Station 3: Household Ammonia

A common household chemical that can cause death when mixed with bleach, but can also cause unconsciousness.

	1	2	3
Odor	Positive	Negative	Negative
pH over 7	11(positive)	11(positive)	4(negative)
PHTH turns purple/pink	Positive	Negative	Negative

Station 4: Aspirin

This medicine can cause harm when taken in large amounts.

	1	2	3
pH under 7	3	7	7
BTB is yellow	Positive	Negative	Negative

Station 5: Cyanide

Station 5: Cyanide
Causes harm to everyone when ingested

	Turns red w/ FE+3
1	Negative
2	Negative
3	Positive

Station 6: Iodine
Causes harm to people with thyroid problems

	Blue w/ Starch
1	Negative
2	Negative
3	Positive