Poison vs. Venom: What's the Difference?

Hello, everyone! Today, we're going to learn the difference between two terms that are often confused: poison and venom. While both can be dangerous, they are not the same. Let's break it down!

Poison

Poison is a toxic substance that causes harm to the body when eaten, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. For example, poisonous plants like certain mushrooms can make you sick if you eat them.

Poison is passive. You have to touch, eat, or breathe it in for it to hurt you.

Venom

Venom is a toxic substance that is injected into the body by a bite, sting, or other methods.

Animals like snakes, spiders, and scorpions have venom. They use their fangs or stingers to inject venom into their prey or as a defense mechanism.

Venom is active. It needs to be injected directly into the body to cause harm.

So, how can you remember the difference?

• Poison is harmful if you eat it, inhale it, or absorb it.
• Venom is harmful if it is injected into you by a bite or sting.

Think of it this way: If you bite it and get sick, it’s poison. If it bites you and you get sick, it’s venom!