Thallium (I Sulfate)

Cuyno, Joanna Marie

Torno, MyleneIII- BSCT

Background During the last two centuries, Tl2SO4 had been used for various medical treatments but was abandoned. In the later 1900s it found use mainly for rodenticides.

These applications were prohibited in 1972 in the USEPA due to the nonselective nature of its toxicity.

Thallium(I) sulfate is created by the reaction of thallium metal with sulfuric acid followed by crystallization.

Propriety Names Bonide Antzix ant killer GTA Ant bane GTA bait Magikil Jelly Ant Bait Rex and Bait Martin’s Rat Stop Liquid Mission Brank ant-roach killer

*The CAS registry number is 7446-18-6

Common FormulationMain use is against rats. Also used to control mice, squirrels, prairie dogs, moles and water voles. Its main insecticidal use is to control ants and it is also used against cockroaches.

Reported Cases Of 778 cases of thallium poisoning reported, 6% were fatal. Thallium acetate was formerly used as a depilatory in children at a single oral dose of 8 mg/kg. Serious poisoning including six deaths was found in 5.5% of 8006 cases.

By repeated testing of the urine of 193 patients with accelerated hair loss, 43 cases of mild chronic thallotoxocosis were found.

Thallotoxocosis a morbid condition due to overactivity of the thyroid gland

Toxicity A dosage in excess of 500 mg is reported as fatal. Thallium(I) sulfate, after entering the body, concentrates itself in the kidneys, liver, brain, and other tissues in the body.

ToxicityThe mean lethal dose of thallium(I) sulfate for an adult is about 1 gram

Thallium(I) cation is very similar to potassium and sodium cations, which are essential for life. After the thallium ion enters the cell, many of the processes that transport potassium and sodium are disrupted.

Hazard IdentificationAppearance: Fine crystalline powder.

Danger! May be fatal if swallowed. Poison! Harmful if absorbed through the skin. Causes eye and skin irritation. Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause reproductive and fetal effects.

Target Organs: Kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, nervous system.

Hazard IdentificationPotential Health Effects

Eye: May cause eye irritation.

Skin: May cause skin irritation. May be absorbed through the skin in harmful amounts. May cause sensitization by skin contact.

Hazard IdentificationPotential Health Effects

Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause alopecia (loss of hair). Ingested thallium compounds are extremely toxic, causing convulsions, coma, conjunctivitis, runny nose, polyneuritis, motor and sensory peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, arterial hypertension, rapid heart rate, and skin eruptions

Hazard IdentificationPotential Health Effects

Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Thallium Sulfate may damage the nervous system causing numbness, "pins and needles," and/or weakness in the hands and feet. Chronic: May cause reproductive and fetal effects. High exposures to Thallium Sulfate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, headache, tremors, fatigue, weakness, confusion, convulsions, coma and death. Repeated exposure may cause loss of vision, skin rash and joint pain.

Hazard IdentificationThe list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Chemical poisoning -- Thallium Sulfate includes the 29 symptoms listed below:

Incoordination Rapid heart rate Loss of scalp hair Abnormal heart rhythm Brain swelling Peripheral nervous system degeneration Central nervous system degeneration Coma Tremor Delirium Disorientation Garlic breath odor Nausea Dilated pupils

Hazard IdentificationVomiting Diarrhea Hypersensitive palms Hypersensitive soles Tearing eyes Liver necrosis Mees' lines Metallic taste Sensory neuropathy Motor neuropathy Kidney inflammation Optic neuropathy Paresthesia Fluid in the lungs Seizures

First Aid Measures Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid imme diately. Skin: Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes. Ingestion: Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.

First Aid Measures Inhalation: Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.