Thallium - Poisoner’s Poison: An Overview and Review of Current Knowledge on the Toxicological Effects and Mechanisms

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.