Question

Poison is already dangerous to consume...But what happens if the poison rots?
Does it become more poisonous? How do we know?

Answer 1

Answer:

This is not a yes or no question as it really depends on what the chemical is and what the resultant degradation products are.  For example, the main degradants of the insecticide DDT, which are DDE, and DDD, are generally found to be less potent than DDT.  In contrast, the 2,3,7,8-TCDD is more potent than other higher chlorinated dioxins. As anything can be a poison depending on dose, if we look at medical active ingredients, the degradation products of many might be less toxic, but also less effective.  Other active ingredients are pro-drugs and are metabolised to active ingredients; although it should be noted that metabolites of a chemical (which may be acted upon by enzymes, etc.) may be different from degradants that would result from the breakdown of the chemical.

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