Tl+ behaves chemically in a very similar manner to Na+ and K+ ions, and when present in the body it can replace these ions within cells. If a significant amount ( significant poisoning is usually defined as ingesting over 1 gram of Thallium, or over 8 milligrams per kilogram of body weight) of Thallium enters the body, symptoms of Thallium poisoning start to develop.
Thallium has many industrial uses, and certain isotopes of Thallium are used in the medical imaging industry. But only if you live near a chemical waste site where Thallium emissions have contaminated the local water supplies. Since Thallium compounds mix easily with water, you can be exposed. It is also present in small amounts in cigarette smoke.Īn average of 23 ppb of Thallium in surface water and 11 ppb in groundwater have been found to be hazardous. Small amounts of Thallium are normally found in the earth's crust and atmosphere. However, poisons containing Thallium are still in use in some parts of the world. It is particularly dangerous because compounds containing Thallium are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.īecause of this high toxicity, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends against the use of Thallium in rodent and insect poisons. Thallium itself and compounds containing the element are highly toxic. Thallium is a soft, malleable gray metal that was previously widely used in rat poisons and insecticides and commonly sold over the counter.
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