Thallium Poisoning | 30 Oct 2023
Why in News?
Recently multiple family members in Mahagaon village, Maharashtra fell victim to thallium poisoning, a chemical that operates in silence, evading detection.
What are the Key Facts about Thallium?
- About:
- Thallium(Tl) is a chemical element with the atomic number 81, was discovered by Sir William Crookes in 1861.
- It is a soft, heavy, inelastic metal.
- Thallium is tasteless and odourless and has been used by murderers as a difficult-to-detect poison.
- Thallium(Tl) is a chemical element with the atomic number 81, was discovered by Sir William Crookes in 1861.
- Appearance:
- A soft, silvery-white metal that tarnishes easily.
- Sources:
- It is found in trace amounts in the earth’s crust.
- It is found in several ores. One of these is pyrites, which is used to produce sulfuric acid. Some thallium is obtained from pyrites, but it is mainly obtained as a by-product of copper, zinc and lead refining.
- Uses:
- Thallium's utilization is restricted due to its toxic nature.
- Thallium sulfate, once a rodent killer, is now banned for household use in many developed nations.
- It finds application in the electronics industry for photoelectric cells.
- Thallium oxide is used to create high-refraction glass and low-melting glass.
- It is also used in the manufacturing of low temperature thermometers,and imitation jewels.
- Health Hazards:
- Thallium can damage the nervous system causing headaches, weakness, and irritability. Repeated exposures can cause tremors, hallucinations, coma and death.
- Antidote:
- Prussian blue is used in non-radioactive thallium poisoning.