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Glossary Thallium

heavy metal that is highly toxic and can cause alopecia

Thallium is a heavy metal that is highly toxic and can be found in trace amounts in the environment. It was historically used in rat poisons and insecticides, but due to its toxicity, its use has been restricted. Thallium exposure can lead to severe health issues, including hair loss (alopecia), neurological damage, and even death. In a professional context, thallium poisoning is diagnosed through blood and urine tests, and treatment often involves the use of Prussian blue, a compound that helps remove thallium from the body.

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research Thallium poisoning. Diagnosis may be elusive but alopecia is the clue.

119 citations , June 1993 in “BMJ”

This article discusses the high toxicity and potential use of thallium as a poison, highlighted by two cases of intentional thallium poisoning.

research Thallium poisoning: emphasis on early diagnosis and response to haemodialysis

60 citations , February 2003 in “Postgraduate Medical Journal”

In this report, it was noted that severe paresthesia, ophthalmoplegia, cerebellar and extrapyramidal signs, and alopecia can strongly indicate thallium poisoning, and haemodialysis may be beneficial even in the third week after poisoning.

research Two-year follow-up of two patients after severe thallium intoxication

52 citations , May 2009 in “Human & experimental toxicology”

This study reported that despite treatment, patients with severe thallium poisoning experienced lasting visual impairment and partial recovery of polyneuropathy over two years, with hair loss fully reversing.

research Small Mammal Populations and Community under Conditions of Extremely High Thallium Contamination in the Environment

50 citations , September 1998 in “Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety”

This study observed very high thallium levels in small mammals near a zinc smelter in Poland, accompanied by severe population and health impacts.

research Clinical Manifestations and Management of Acute Thallium Poisoning

48 citations , January 2008 in “European Neurology”

This study demonstrated that acute thallium poisoning primarily manifests with gastrointestinal issues, polyneuropathy, and dermatological changes, and treatments like hemoperfusion and hemodialysis may improve symptoms.

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