What are poisons defined as?

Poisons are defined as substances that have the potential to cause harm to living organisms, which may include allergic reactions, injuries, or even death. The correct choice reflects this broad and serious impact of poisons on health and safety. Poisons can affect biological systems in various ways, depending on the nature of the substance, the dose, the route of exposure, and individual susceptibility.

The term encompasses a wide range of harmful chemicals and biological agents, highlighting the need for awareness and caution when handling substances that could lead to adverse effects. This definition recognizes that poisons are not limited to causing just allergic reactions or only being dangerous under certain conditions; rather, they can have multiple and significant health impacts.

The other choices, while mentioning different effects or conditions, fail to provide the comprehensive understanding of poisons as substances capable of causing a spectrum of harmful effects. For instance, the option discussing only allergic reactions overlooks the broader risks associated with many poisons, while referring to innocuous materials misrepresents the nature of poisons entirely. The restriction to inhalation as a route of exposure also minimizes the ways in which poisons can enter the body and cause harm.