What is defined as a poisonous chemical?

The definition of a poisonous chemical aligns closely with the term "toxicant." A toxicant refers specifically to any substance that can produce harmful effects in living organisms upon exposure. This encompasses a wide range of chemicals that can affect health, including naturally occurring poisons as well as synthetic substances.

In the context of pest management, understanding toxicants is essential because they are not confined to a specific category; they can be found in insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides. The key distinction here is that while all insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides may potentially contain toxicants, the term "toxicant" itself is broader and emphasizes the harmful nature of the chemical, regardless of its specific use or application.