Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

poison control center
A special information
center set up to inform people about how to
respond to potential poisoning. These centers main-
tain databases of poisons and appropriate emer-
gency treatment. Local poison control centers
339
poison control center
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http://www.rashidislamiccenter.com
http://www.allofislam.com/

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should be listed with other community-service num-
bers in the front of the telephone book, and they can
also be reached immediately through any telephone
operator.
poison ivy
Skin inflammation that results from
contact with the poison ivy vine. Chemicals pro-
duced by this vine cause an immune reaction, pro-
ducing redness, itching, and blistering of the skin.
Treatment involves use of topical medications.
poison oak
Skin inflammation that results from
contact with the poison oak plant. Chemicals pro-
duced by this plant cause an immune reaction, pro-
ducing redness, itching, and blistering of the skin.
Treatment involves use of topical medication.
poisoning
Taking a substance that is injurious to
health or can cause death. See also 
poison; Poison
control center.
poisoning, silver
See 
argyria.
Poland syndrome
An uncommon, unique pat-
tern of one-sided malformations that is character-
ized by a defect of the chest muscle (pectoralis) on
one side of the body and webbing and shortening of
the fingers (cutaneous syndactyly) on the hand on
the same side. Its cause is uncertain, and it does not
appear to run in families. Treatment may include
reconstructive surgery. Also known as absence of the
pectoralis muscle with syndactyly.
polio
An acute and sometimes devastating viral
disease that affects the nervous system. Humans are
the only natural hosts for poliovirus. The virus
enters the mouth and multiplies in lymphoid tissues
in the pharynx and intestine. Small numbers of virus