Poison

In the context of biology, poisons are substances that cause disturbances to organisms, usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism. The fields of medicine (particularly veterinary) and zoology often distinguish a poison from a toxin, and from a venom. Toxins are poisons produced by some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut.

Poisons are most often applied in industry, agriculture and other uses for other reasons than their toxicity. Pesticides are one application where they are indeed used for their toxicity.

Due to diversity of life forms making up the Union, nearly any substance is poisonous to some. While substances that are strongly poisonous to one life form are comletley harmless or even needed by another.

This created and still does create a labeling nightmare and despite all precautions, about one million Union CItzens die each year on accidental poisoning and about 500 million are medically treated each year for poisoning. Poisoning is the second most common reason for emergency calls for medical assistent (after accidents)

Restauants must clearly post what life forms they serve. Food products must have an Info Dot and clear ingredient lists. Union schools having classes to ediucate on what can and can't be eaten.

There are rare forms of substances that are poisonous to almost all life forms. For example the bio toxins and venoms produced by lifeforms on Green Hell are harmful to 89 percent of all sentient life forms that are Union members.

The Shaill are the unchallenged experts in the field of Bio toxins  and no other civilization than the Terrans have more expertise in Chemical warfare and the use of poisons for war.

Rare mostly synthethic substances are known that are poisonous to a large percentage of life forms. These substances must be controlled and have strict trade and security laws.

See also:
 * Shaill Bio Poisons
 * Terran Institute for Chemcial Weapon Development
 * Union Poison Control Center