Thallium is a tasteless, odorless, and water-soluble chemical element that can affect the nervous system, lung, heart, liver, and kidney if large amounts are eaten or drunk for short periods of time. It is used mostly in the manufacture of electronic devices, switches, and closures, and has limited use in the manufacture of special glasses and for medical procedures that evaluate heart disease. Thallium sulfate was once used as an ant and rat poison, but was banned in 1972 because of its potential harm to humans. Thallium is no longer produced in the United States, and all the thallium used in the country since 1984 has been obtained from imports and thallium reserves.
Thallium can be absorbed through the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts. Accidental snorting by cocaine abusers, accidental injection by heroin users, as well as skin absorption through protective gloves have been reported. Eating food contaminated with thallium may be a major source of exposure for most people.
Symptoms of thallium poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, and effects on the nervous system, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. Thallium poisoning can be diagnosed through urine and blood tests. The occupational exposure limit for thallium is 0.1 milligrams (mg) per cubic meter of skin for no longer than eight hours a day, and levels of 15 mg per cubic meter and above are considered acutely dangerous.
In summary, thallium is a toxic chemical element that can cause harmful health effects if large amounts are eaten or drunk for short periods of time. It is used in the manufacture of electronic devices, switches, and closures, and has limited use in the manufacture of special glasses and for medical procedures that evaluate heart disease. Thallium sulfate was once used as an ant and rat poison, but was banned in 1972 because of its potential harm to humans. Thallium can be absorbed through the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts, and symptoms of thallium poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, temporary hair loss, and effects on the nervous system, lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys.
