Thallium was an effective murder weapon before its effects became understood and an antidote ( Prussian blue) was discovered. However hair-loss generally occurs only with low doses with high doses the thallium kills before hair loss can occur. Īmong the distinctive effects of thallium poisoning are peripheral nerve damage (victims may experience a sensation of “walking on hot coals”) and hair loss (which led to its initial use as a depilatory before its toxicity was properly appreciated). Thallium's toxicity has led to its use (now discontinued in many countries) as a rat and ant poison. Thus this substitution disrupts many cellular processes by interfering with the function of proteins that incorporate cysteine, an amino acid containing sulfur.

Other aspects of thallium's chemistry differ strongly from that of the alkali metals, such as its high affinity for sulfur ligands. It can thus enter the body via potassium uptake pathways. Part of the reason for thallium's high toxicity is that when present in aqueous solution as the univalent thallium(I) ion (Tl +) it exhibits some similarities with essential alkali metal cations, particularly potassium (owing to similar ionic radii). Quick facts: Thallium poisoning, Other names, Specialty.

Thallium poisoning antidote