Thallium is a toxic chemical that belongs to the group of metals. It is also present in the human body, but its concentration in it is very low, so there is no harm to health. But in everyday life, contact with this element should be avoided, since it can lead to fatal consequences. By its toxicity, the metal is not inferior to arsenic and many other poisons. Thallium poisoning (symptoms and treatment will be discussed in detail in this article) requires immediate hospitalization and complex therapy, otherwise a person may die.
general information
Before considering the main symptoms of thallium poisoning, let's first understand what it is dangerous. As mentioned above, this element is a potent toxin that has a negative effect on the functioning of the peripheral and central nervous system, as well as many internal organs.
Due to the high level of danger, metal is rarely used for industrial purposes. As a result of numerous studies, scientists were able to find out that the highest concentration of a substance in the body is concentrated in adipose tissues. But for the fulfillment of what goals he is responsible, remains a mystery today. Symptoms of thallium poisoning can be different. Their intensity and severity depend on the degree of intoxication.
Physicochemical properties
In nature, the element occurs in the form of a powder of various colors, which depends on the compound. In its pure form, the metal is blue, and can also be mono- and trivalent. Element concentration is diffuse. By itself, it does not occur in deposits; it is mined from compounds with other minerals. Thallium compounds are not soluble in many liquids.
It may take the form:
- oxides;
- nitrous oxide;
- peroxides;
- halide compounds;
- Clerici's solution.
In addition, metal is found in small quantities in various plants.
Causes of intoxication
Let's dwell on this in more detail. Everyone should know the main symptoms of thallium poisoning in order to go to the hospital in time, but it is equally important to have an idea of the situations in which it can occur.
Among the main ones are the following:
- work with chemicals intended for pest control;
- difficult working conditions associated with interaction with this element, which include the production of lighting elements, thermometers, salutes and paints and varnishes;
- accidental ingestion of poison for rodents;
- the use of plant products, the content in its composition of this chemical element.
Work with metal must be carried out using a respirator and a special suit. It is important to understand that the symptoms of thallium poisoning in a person manifest very quickly, so it can not go unnoticed.
Possible complications
This aspect should be given special attention. The ingress of any toxic substance into the human body does not just happen.
If a person is poisoned with thallium, the consequences may be as follows:
- pathological partial or complete baldness;
- worsening or loss of vision;
- erectile disfunction;
- infertility;
- renal failure;
- atrophy of the epidermis;
- various skin diseases;
- decompensated myocardial dysfunction;
- chronic depression;
- memory impairment or amnesia;
- the development of epilepsy.
If a person noticed symptoms of thallium poisoning in himself, but did not go to the hospital in a timely manner, then the probability of a full recovery is very low. In this case, the consequences of intoxication will not completely disappear, but will remain with the victim for life.
Primary signs of intoxication
What should you pay attention to first of all? Metal is not very common in nature, so the likelihood of contact with them is low. However, if poisoning with thallium salts occurred, the symptoms come to light only a few hours after intoxication.
Among the main manifestations, the following can be distinguished:
- severe pain in the stomach, which gradually spreads throughout the abdominal cavity;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea accompanied by an admixture of blood;
- heart rhythm failure caused by arrhythmia or tachycardia;
- rapid breathing;
- violation of normal blood circulation, accompanied by a strong drop in blood pressure.
Gradually, the symptoms of thallium poisoning become more intense. Moreover, their severity depends not only on the level of intoxication, but also on the age, as well as the physiological characteristics of each person. In children, intoxication is much faster than in adults.
Secondary symptoms
In the absence of proper therapy, intoxication will develop and eventually develop into chronic thallium poisoning.
Symptoms in this case are as follows:
- convulsive syndrome resembling epilepsy;
- severe migraine, localization of which occurs in a certain part of the skull;
- a feeling of malaise and weakness throughout the body;
- emotional depression;
- hypertonicity of the muscles of the lower extremities;
- violation of spatial orientation and coordination of movements;
- pain throughout the body caused by inflammatory processes in the nerve pathways;
- a sharp decrease in vision;
- periodic or regular fainting;
- violation of facial expressions;
- inadequate mental reactions to what is happening;
- numbness of the arms and legs;
- coughing and shortness of breath;
- blurred consciousness.
According to medical statistics, if no assistance is provided to the victim, then with chronic intoxication he dies within 24 hours due to cerebral edema and internal bleeding in the intestines.
The first steps in intoxication
If you suspect that thallium poisoning has occurred, it is very important to call an ambulance as soon as possible. But here the countdown goes for minutes, so before the doctors arrive, you need to take certain measures yourself.
First aid is as follows:
- If the poison enters the body through the digestive tract, then gastric lavage should be done. To do this, you need to drink at least a liter of water, and then forcibly induce a gag reflex. This procedure is performed several times. If at the same time the contents of the stomach have a dark shade, then washing is prohibited.
- Take activated carbon. This medication is a powerful sorbent that perfectly removes toxins from the stomach. The dosage is calculated based on the body weight of the person - one for every 10 kilograms.
- Give as much ordinary water as possible. This is necessary in order to prevent dehydration. The liquid should be at room temperature.
It is strictly forbidden to take any medicine before the arrival of a doctor, since this way you can only increase intoxication.
Diagnosis of intoxication
Accurately confirm the poisoning with thallium salts can only be performed by a specialist after examining the patient. In this case, the diagnosis is very problematic, since intoxication is similar in manifestations to many diseases. First of all, the doctor asks the patient about the working conditions.
Among the main diagnostic methods, the following can be distinguished:
- general urine analysis;
- x-ray examination.
The latter method allows you to determine the fact and severity of damage to the intestines and internal organs. After the doctor has the results of the tests on hand, and he can evaluate the real clinical picture of the patient, a decision is made on the most effective measures aimed at combating tallotoxicosis.
The main methods of therapy
One of the most serious is thallium poisoning. Treatment should be started immediately, as intoxication progresses very quickly, and the likelihood of a full recovery decreases with each passing minute.
First aid is as follows:
- drugs are introduced that normalize the work of the cardiovascular and respiratory system;
- droppers are placed to reduce the symptoms of poisoning;
- with intestinal damage, hemostatic drugs are prescribed;
- with regular involuntary bowel movements of the contents of the stomach, antiemetic drugs are used;
- children and people who have clouding of consciousness and fainting are washed their stomachs with a special probe.
When vital signs are brought back to normal, the victim is hospitalized in a hospital where the main treatment program is carried out.
She suggests:
- administration of dithiocarb neutralizing thallium;
- the patient is given hemodialysis, which helps to eliminate toxins from the body;
- prescribe drugs and droppers that stimulate the work of the heart and normalize blood pressure.
This is just a generalized treatment regimen. The exact program is selected individually for each patient, depending on his condition, degree of intoxication and the clinical picture.
Preventive actions
As you have already seen, thallium poisoning is very dangerous and is accompanied by various serious complications that can even lead to death.
If your activity is associated with this metal, then you can reduce the likelihood of intoxication if you adhere to the following tips:
- use personal protective equipment;
- take a shower after the end of the shift;
- do not eat food and drinks at the workplace;
- periodically undergo a comprehensive examination in the hospital;
- stick to a healthy diet;
- to refuse from bad habits.
These recommendations will minimize the risks of developing tallotoxicosis, therefore they are mandatory.
Conclusion
Thallium is one of the most toxic metals, so even a small dose is enough for intoxication. Therefore, you should be extremely careful, especially if you work in industrial production, which uses this chemical element. Fortunately, the level of development of modern medicine is quite high, therefore, in case of poisoning with timely treatment to the hospital and the quick start of treatment, doctors manage to completely cure the patient without any consequences. Therefore, if the very first manifestations of tallotoxicosis occur, which make themselves felt within a few hours, immediately call a doctor.