Poisons are often classified based on their origin or the system they affect. Some common classifications include:
- Chemical Poisons: These can be industrial chemicals, household substances, or drugs. Examples include lead, arsenic, and cyanide. - Biological Poisons: These are toxins produced by living organisms such as bacteria, plants, and animals. Examples include botulinum toxin and ricin. - Environmental Poisons: These include pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals.