Odourless, tasteless, lethal: thallium as a murder weapon

Odourless, tasteless, lethal: thallium as a murder weapon

Subject : Science and Tech

SECTION: Msc

Context: Cases of Thallium poisoning have been rising in India, particularly in the Maharashtra.

About Thallium: 

• 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.

Common Uses:

• Historically used in low-temperature thermometers.
• Radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging.

Health Hazards:

• 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.