How are poisons typically classified?

Poisons are typically classified by their source and mechanism of action because this approach provides valuable insights into how these toxic substances interact with biological systems. Understanding the source helps categorize poisons into natural toxins (such as those derived from plants or animals) and synthetic chemicals, while examining the mechanism of action focuses on how these substances cause harm at the cellular or systemic level—such as inhibiting enzymatic activity, disrupting cellular respiration, or interfering with nerve signaling. This classification system is particularly useful for medical professions and toxicologists as it aids in identifying treatment methods and understanding potential health risks associated with different poisons.

The other classifications, such as by color, state, molecular weight, or boiling points, do not provide insight into how these substances affect organisms or how they should be handled in situations of exposure or poisoning. They are more relevant to the physical properties of the substances rather than their toxicological impact, making them less effective for categorizing poisons in a scientific or medical context.