Which substance is more likely to be considered a poisoning rather than an overdose?

The classification of a substance as a poisoning rather than an overdose often depends on the nature of the substance and its intended use. Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that can cause significant harm upon exposure, even in small amounts. It can cause severe tissue damage if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin, and it’s not typically used for any therapeutic purposes. This makes it more aligned with the definition of poisoning, as its primary mode of harm is through toxic exposure rather than from improper use of a drug intended for therapeutic purposes.

In contrast, substances like alcohol, morphine, and cocaine are commonly used recreationally or medicinally. Overdoses of these substances occur when an individual uses a dose that exceeds the therapeutic range, leading to adverse effects or toxicity. Since they have recognized uses in either recreational or medical contexts, instances of their misuse are usually categorized as overdoses.

Therefore, sulfuric acid stands out as a substance that inherently poses a poisoning risk due to its dangerous characteristics, differentiating it from other substances that may be misused rather than ingested as poisons.