In toxicology, which statement is correct about poisons?

• A. Only some compounds are poisons
• B. All compounds are poisons
• C. No compounds are poisonous
• D. Poisoning is always immediate

Answer: (B)

In toxicology, how toxic something is depends on the amount and the circumstances of exposure. This is the idea that the dose makes the poison: essentially any compound can be harmful if you reach a high enough dose or expose the body in a way that favors toxicity. That’s why the statement that all compounds are poisons is the best answer—it captures the dose-dependent nature of toxicity, acknowledging that even substances we consider safe can become poisonous under sufficient exposure.

Keep in mind that the degree of harm also depends on factors like the exposure route, duration, and an individual’s susceptibility. Some substances are harmless at typical exposures but can cause adverse effects at higher doses, and poisoning isn’t always immediate—it can be delayed or cumulative. The other possibilities are incorrect because they imply that toxicity is limited to a subset of compounds or that poisoning always occurs right away, which conflicts with the dose‑dependent and sometimes delayed nature of toxic effects.