What is Thallium and why murderers use this poison
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Source: The post is based on the articleWhat is Thallium and why murderers use this poisonpublished in TOI” on 30th October 2023

Why in the News?

An agricultural scientist in Maharashtra has used Thallium to poison her in-laws.

What is Thallium?

SpecificationDetails
Discovered bySir William Crookes in 1861
Characteristics(1)It does not freely occur in nature.
(2)
It has no colour, odour or taste.
Known asPoisoner’s Poison
Found in Small amount in earth’s crust
Health impactExtremely toxic when ingested or inhaled.It leads to the development of nervous and gastrointestinal disorders as well as rapid hair loss.
TreatmentPrussian blue is used to remove thallium from the body.
Uses(1)Used mostly in manufacturing electronic devices and switches.
(2)Limited use in the manufacture of special glass and for certain medical procedures.
(3)Has been used as a rodent and ant killer. However, the use of the product has been prohibited since 1972 in the United States.

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