Indian Society of Toxicology's Classification of Poisons (Toxicants)

IST developed a comprehensive classification of poisons / toxicants, organizing them into clearly defined groups (for example, corrosives, heavy metals, organic toxins, gases, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and substances of abuse). This taxonomy helps Clinicians, Forensic Experts, Researchers, students of Toxicology, and Health Policymakers to systematically understand, compare, and reference the wide variety of toxic agents.

Each class is further subdivided into subclasses (e.g. “Inorganic Acids,” “Neurotoxic Poisons,” “Pesticides,” etc.), making it easier to locate and study specific substances. Through this structured scheme, IST supports research, forensic work, clinical toxicology, and education by providing a standardized, authoritative framework for toxicant classification.

  • Sulfuric
  • Nitric
  • Hydrochloric
  • Acetic
  • Acetylsalicylic
  • Carbolic
  • Oxalic
  • Ammonia
  • Salts of Sodium, Calcium, Potassium
  • Arsenic
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Thallium
  • Phosphorus
  • Halogens (Chlorine, Iodine)
  • Castor
  • Calotropis
  • Abrus
  • Capsicum
  • Snake Bite
  • Spider Bite
  • Scorpion Sting
  • Bee Sting
  • Wasp Sting
  • Opium and Opiates (Opioids)
  • Alcohols (Ethanol, Methanol, Isopropanol)
  • Chloral Hydrate
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Caffeine
  • Amphetamines
  • Cocaine
  • Tricyclics, MAOIs, etc.
  • Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, etc.
  • Cannabis
  • LSD
  • Phencyclidine
  • Hemlock
  • Curare
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Nitrogen
  • Methane
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Formaldehyde
  • Methyl Isocyanate
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Cyanide
  • Smoke
  • Organophosphates
  • Carbamates
  • Chlorinated Hydrocarbons (Organochlorines)
  • Neonicotinoids
  • Pyrethroids
  • Naphthalene
  • Zinc Phosphide
  • Bromadiolone
  • Paraquat
  • Glyphosate
  • Aluminum Phosphide
  • Antibacterials
  • Antivirals
  • Antifungals
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Chloroform
  • Halothane
  • Phenobarbitone
  • Phenytoin
  • Microbes
  • Mushrooms
  • Plants
  • Fish
  • Chemicals
  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Hallucinogens
  • Kerosene
  • Cleaning Agents
  • Cosmetics
  • Tear Gases
  • War Gases