toxins

Cultural  

1. Poisonous substances, consisting mainly of protein, that are a by-product of metabolism in certain organisms. Toxins that enter the body through a bacterial infection can be very harmful and can result in diseases such as tetanus and botulism.

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Example Sentences

An industrial hygiene firm found “serious and extensive” contamination by multiple toxins, including cyanide, lithium, lead, arsenic and beryllium, according to a report reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Kennedy launched his “Make America Healthy Again” movement with promises to root out what he saw as toxins plaguing children.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is thought these bacteria are releasing toxins that damage the DNA inside bowel tissue, turning it cancerous.

From BBC

The disease develops when repeated or long-term liver damage -- caused by viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol use, metabolic disorders, toxins, or autoimmune disease -- triggers an overactive healing response.

From Science Daily

Some research on microplastics has suggested plastic particles can absorb environmental toxins and carry heavy metals, whilst there are also concerns that chemicals in plastic can interact with hormones in the body.

From BBC

Related Words

• contamination
• germ
• infection
• venom
• virus