TLDR Thallium is highly toxic, causing severe health issues, and Prussian blue is the best antidote.
Thallium (Tl) is an extremely toxic metal historically used in homicides, known for its severe toxicological effects on the central nervous system, causing neurological dysfunction, alopecia, and Mees' lines. It mimics potassium in the body, disrupting vital processes and leading to enzyme inhibition, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Prenatal exposure can result in adverse fetal outcomes. Tl is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed, with the highest concentrations in the kidneys and brain, and is primarily excreted through urine and feces. Effective treatments include Prussian blue and metallothionein, and early detection and treatment are crucial due to Tl's slow excretion and severe toxicity.
26 citations,
January 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Thallium, mercury, selenium, and colchicine strongly cause hair loss.
27 citations,
January 2017 in “Journal of clinical and diagnostic research” A woman poisoned with thallium was successfully treated with activated charcoal and Prussian blue.
12 citations,
August 2014 in “Elsevier eBooks” Thallium exposure can cause serious health issues, including nerve damage and hair loss.
61 citations,
January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Hair usually grows back 1-3 months after treatment for anagen effluvium, and children with Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome often improve by adolescence.
48 citations,
January 2008 in “European Neurology” Thallium poisoning causes pain, hair loss, and nerve issues, treatable with hemoperfusion and hemodialysis.
119 citations,
June 1993 in “BMJ” Alopecia is a key indicator of thallium poisoning.
2 citations,
June 2011 in “Journal of clinical and experimental investigations” Oral zinc sulphate is an effective and safe treatment for thallium poisoning, especially for skin and hair symptoms.
June 2011 in “Journal of clinical and experimental investigations” Oral zinc sulphate is an effective and safe treatment for thallium poisoning.
1 citations,
May 2007 in “Emergency medicine news” Dr. Marina Kovalevsky and her daughter were hospitalized for suspected politically motivated thallium poisoning in Moscow.
June 2007 in “Emergency medicine news” If someone has unexplained nerve pain and hair loss, doctors should check for thallium poisoning.
119 citations,
June 1993 in “BMJ” Alopecia is a key indicator of thallium poisoning.