Daily Current Affairs : 28-October-2023

Thallium poisoning is emerging as a significant health threat in India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra. This toxic metal element, denoted by the symbol Tl and atomic number 81, is infamous for its extreme toxicity, earning it the sinister nickname, the “poisoner’s poison.” Despite its historical significance and limited industrial applications, thallium poses a severe risk to human health, causing widespread concern in the medical community.

Understanding Thallium: A Deadly Element
  • Physical Characteristics:
    • Thallium appears as a silvery-white metal that tarnishes to gray over time.
    • It remains in a solid state at room temperature, making it potentially hazardous even in everyday environments.
  • Chemical Properties:
    • Thallium is highly toxic, classified as a poison due to its lethal nature.
    • Unlike many substances, thallium lacks color, odor, and taste, making it difficult to detect in contaminated substances.
  • Common Uses:
    • Historically, thallium found its application in low-temperature thermometers.
    • Radioactive isotopes of thallium are utilized in medical imaging, providing crucial diagnostic insights.
Health Hazards: A Grave Concern for Public Health

Thallium poses significant health risks, especially when ingested or inhaled. Its effects can be devastating, leading to severe nerve and kidney damage. Even mere contact with thallium can result in poisoning, as it is highly soluble in water and easily permeates the skin. Furthermore, thallium is a suspected carcinogen, raising concerns about its long-term impact on human health.

Antidote and Historical Significance

Fortunately, an antidote exists in the form of Prussian blue, which helps remove thallium from the body. Despite its deadly nature, thallium has been historically used as a rat poison. Shockingly, it is alleged that former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein employed thallium to eliminate his political opponents, underscoring the gravity of its potency as a lethal substance.

Important Points:
  • Thallium poisoning is a concerning issue in India, especially in Maharashtra.
  • Thallium is a toxic metal element (symbol Tl, atomic number 81) known for its extreme toxicity.
  • It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect in contaminated substances.
  • Thallium has historical uses in low-temperature thermometers and medical imaging (radioactive isotopes).
  • It is highly toxic and considered a poison; even slight contact can lead to severe health issues.
  • Health hazards include nerve and kidney damage, and it is also a suspected carcinogen.
  • Thallium is highly soluble in water and can easily pass through the skin, causing poisoning.
  • An antidote, Prussian blue, is used to remove thallium from the body.
  • Thallium has been historically used as rat poison and alleged to have been used by political figures like Saddam Hussein.
  • Rising cases of thallium poisoning highlight the need for urgent measures and public awareness campaigns.
  • Stringent regulations and education about safe handling of toxic substances are essential to mitigate the threat.
Why In News

Cases of Thallium poisoning have been on the rise in India, particularly in the Maharashtra region, posing a significant concern for public health authorities and necessitating urgent preventive measures to curb this alarming trend.

MCQs about Thallium Poisoning in India

  1. What is the main characteristic of thallium that makes it particularly dangerous?
    A) It has a distinct odor and taste
    B) It is highly soluble in water and easily permeates the skin
    C) It is visible in all substances
    D) It only affects specific organs in the body
    Correct Answer: B) It is highly soluble in water and easily permeates the skin
    Explanation: Thallium is highly soluble in water and can easily pass through the skin, making even slight contact dangerous.
  2. Which substance is used as an antidote to remove thallium from the body?
    A) Silver Nitrate
    B) Prussian Blue
    C) Hydrogen Peroxide
    D) Sodium Bicarbonate
    Correct Answer: B) Prussian Blue
    Explanation: Prussian Blue is used as an antidote to remove thallium from the body.
  3. What historical application was thallium commonly used for?
    A) Food Flavoring
    B) Low-temperature thermometers
    C) Agricultural Fertilizers
    D) Household Cleaning Products
    Correct Answer: B) Low-temperature thermometers
    Explanation: Thallium was historically used in low-temperature thermometers.
  4. Why is thallium often referred to as the “poisoner’s poison”?
    A) It has a unique odor detectable by experts
    B) It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect
    C) It has a bright, easily recognizable color
    D) It has a strong, pungent smell that indicates its presence
    Correct Answer: B) It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect
    Explanation: Thallium is referred to as the “poisoner’s poison” because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect in contaminated substances.

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