Empoisonnement
In short
Empoisonnement is the act of causing harm or death by introducing toxic substances into a person's body. Recent reports include a case in the United States where a colleague secretly added cadmium to a victim's water bottle.
In plain words
It happens when someone swallows, breathes in, or absorbs something poisonous. This can be done by accident or as a deliberate criminal act to hurt someone.
A simple example
A person might be poisoned if someone puts a toxic heavy metal like cadmium into their drinking water without them knowing.
Why it matters
It is a serious criminal offence and a major public health concern. Detecting these acts often requires forensic science and careful investigation of substances.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse it with infection, which is caused by germs like bacteria or viruses rather than chemical toxins.
Sources
- Etats-Unis L’impression « d’être en train de mourir » : son collègue l'empoisonnait à son insu au cadmium
- Au bout de l'enquête, la fin du crime parfait ? (France 2) : quelles sont les affaires criminelles décryptées dans l’émission du samedi 17 octobre ?
- Vol d’ordinateurs et mystère autour de l’empoisonnement à la ricine