Thallium Poisoning:
Cases of Thallium poisoning have been rising in India, particularly in the Maharashtra
- Thallium is a toxic metal element (symbol Tl) with atomic number 81, known for its extreme toxicity. It does not freely occur in nature.
- Thallium has no colour, odour or taste. Its use is regulated in India. Thallium is also called the “poisoner’s poison”.
- Appearance Silvery-white tarnishes to Gray
- State at Room Temperature is Solid
- It is Highly toxic (considered a poison)
- Historically used in low-temperature thermometers.
- Radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging.
- Extremely toxic when ingested or inhaled.
- Can cause severe health issues, including nerve and kidney damage.
- Mere contact with thallium can cause poisoning as it is highly soluble in water and can easily pass through the skin.
- It is also a suspected carcinogen.
- Antidote Prussian blue is used to remove thallium from the body.
- Interesting Fact Thallium is known for its high toxicity and was historically used as a rat poison
- Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, is alleged to have used it to murder his political opponents.
