Instant Poisons. Potent toxic substances. Anthrax poison

Everyone knows about terrible poisons and try to be as far away from them as possible. It would never occur to anyone to put a jar of arsenic in the refrigerator or a nightstand in the kitchen. But all sorts of solvents, cleaners, fresheners and other means can be found a lot. But they are dangerous no less than potassium cyanide.

3. Insecticides help control pests, but you can get poisoned by these products by spraying them in unventilated areas. The use of these remedies will lead to convulsions and coma.
4. Some solvents for removing artificial nails can cause serious consequences. With their use, you can get methemoglobinemia and oxygen starvation.

5. Be careful with pipe cleaners, as the fumes of these products can kill if inhaled, burn internal organs.
6. Pain-relieving creams affect the area, but if you do not follow the instructions, you can damage your eyes.

7. Anionic detergent, known as carpet cleaner, is very caustic and can cause damage to organs, you can be blinded if it gets into your eyes.
8. If you exceed the dose of iron tablets, you can get iron poisoning. If you do not get help within 24 hours, then the brain and liver will suffer. You can even die.

9. Toilet cleaners remove dirt and odors. When used, this remedy can damage internal organs and fall into a coma.
10. Pain pills, including paracetamol, aspirin, and ibuprofen, can cause death if overdosed. Internal organs simply refuse.

11. Furniture polish can cause a coma if you drink this product or inhale it well. If the polish gets into your eyes, you can go blind, and if it gets on delicate skin, it can cause burns and irritation.
12. Perfume and cologne contain alcohol, ethanol and isopropanol. Both of these substances can cause nausea, anxiety, and seizures.

13. Don't drink mouthwash. It can cause diarrhea, dizziness and coma.
14. Gasoline is dangerous because of its fumes, inhaling which you can get dizziness, lowering blood pressure, pain in the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

15. After drinking kerosene, a liquid that is used for ignition, in kerosene lamps and kerosene gases, you can get bloody stools, convulsions and burning sensations in the internal organs.
16. Moths are annoying, but you can’t eat anti-mole pills. You can get oxygen starvation and to whom.

17. Oil paints can damage the skin, if they enter the stomach and lungs, they can cause serious problems with the nervous system and cause death.
18. Codeine is sold by prescription, but when overdosed, it causes fatigue, drowsiness, intestinal cramps, and death.

19. Taking a large dose of alcoholic beverages, we do not just get drunk, but we get serious poisoning and even death if medical assistance is not provided on time.
20. If it turned out that someone swallowed paint thinner, then there is a risk of necrosis of the tissues of internal organs, and if inhaled, memory loss and fever.

21. Poison for rodents can cause blood in the urine and feces, a metallic taste in the mouth, and as brain hemorrhage occurs, pallor of the skin and death.
22. Some skin-lightening creams contain mercury in such quantities that mercury poisoning can occur. The gums may bleed, there will be bloody stools, vomiting and death.

23. Most deodorants or antiperspirants contain aluminum salts and ethanol. If you taste them or inhale a large enough amount, you can get diarrhea, vomiting, coma and death.
24. Turpentine is a substance that is obtained from pine. If you taste it or inhale deeply, you can get bloody stools and die.

25. Everyone knows that thermometers contain mercury. You should not taste it, as it is a highly toxic metal.
26. Repellents contain insect poison, which protects us from insect bites. If you use the repellent inside, you can earn vomiting, coughing and convulsions.

27. Baby creams for redness can be very dangerous in the hands of children. Never leave them within the reach of an infant. You risk even if you step aside for a minute.
28. You may have acne, which means you use special creams. Never taste these products and do not spread them intensively on the skin - you will minimally get contact dermatitis.

29. Calamine lotion is used for skin conditions, but it contains zinc oxide, which can cause chills, nausea, and fever.
30. Teflon coats pans and pots to keep food from sticking, but when heated, it can lead to cancer and other health problems. Do not leave cooked food on the Teflon surface for a long time.

31. The plastic used to make plastic bottles contains BPA, which can cause cancer and hormonal problems in teenagers, speeding up the transition to puberty.
32. If herbicides are detrimental to one organic matter, then they can harm another. When taken internally, you can fall into a coma.

33. All refractory materials contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which can cause many health problems. In Europe, the use of these substances is prohibited.
34. Sleeping pills can kill.

35. If you have items in your home covered with Scotchguard, which was produced before the year 2000, then you can suffer from malformations and other health problems.
36. The powder that is in the printer is also an unsafe material. If you print a lot on a laser printer, do it in a well-ventilated area.

37. Coal tar is a carcinogen, which means it causes cancer.
38. Formaldehyde is used in the woodworking industry, if you inhale the fumes of this substance, you can feel irritation in the nose and eyes, and pets can get nose cancer.

39. Lead paint is rarely used today, but that doesn't mean lead poisoning is uncommon, since you have old newspapers and books in your attic, or even the paint itself.
40. Motor oil can damage organs, especially the lungs. In addition, motor oil poisoning can cause brain damage and respiratory problems.

Poison is a very popular means of killing in literature. Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes books have developed readers' love for fast-acting, untraceable poisons. But poisons are common not only in the literature, there are real cases of using poisons. Here are a dozen known poisons that have been used to kill people for a long time.

10. Hemlock Hemlock, also known as Omega, is a highly toxic flower native to Europe and South Africa. It was very popular with the ancient Greeks, who used it to kill their prisoners. The fatal dose for an adult is 100 milligrams of omega (about 8 leaves of the plant). Death occurs as a result of paralysis, consciousness remains clear, but the body stops responding and soon the respiratory system fails. The most famous case of poisoning with this poison is the death of the Greek philosopher Socrates. In 399 BC, he was sentenced to death for disrespect for the Greek gods - the sentence was carried out with the help of a concentrated infusion of Hemlock.

9. Aconite
Aconite is obtained from the wrestler plant. This poison leaves behind only one post-mortem sign - suffocation. The poison causes severe arrhythmia, which eventually leads to suffocation. You can even get poisoned by simply touching the leaves of the plant without gloves, since the substance is absorbed very quickly and easily. Due to the difficulty in finding the remains of this poison in the body, it has become popular with people trying to commit untraceable murder. Despite this, the aconite has its famous victim. Emperor Claudius poisoned his wife Agrippina with aconite in a dish of mushrooms.

8. Belladonna
This is the favorite poison among girls! Even the name of the plant from which it is obtained comes from the Italian language and means "Beautiful Woman". Initially, the plant was used in the Middle Ages for cosmetic purposes - eye drops were made from it, which dilated the pupils, which made women more seductive (at least they thought so). If they were rubbed a little on their cheeks, it would give them a reddish tint, which is now achieved with the help of blush. It seems that the plant is not very scary? In fact, if taken internally, even one leaf can be lethal, which is why it has been used to make poisonous arrowheads. Belladonna berries are the most dangerous - 10 attractive berries can be fatal.

7. Dimethylmercury
It is a slow killer, man made. But that's what makes it so much more dangerous. Taking a dose of 0.1 milliliter leads to death. However, the symptoms of poisoning become apparent only after a few months, which greatly complicates the treatment. In 1996, a chemistry teacher at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire dropped a drop of poison on her hand - dimethylmercury passed through a latex glove, symptoms of poisoning appeared four months later, and ten months later she died.

6. Tetrodotoxin (Tetrodotoxin)
This substance is found in marine creatures - blue-ringed octopus (blue-ringed octopus) and pufferfish (fugu). The octopus is more dangerous, as it deliberately poisons the victim with this poison, from which death occurs within a few minutes. The amount of venom released in one bite is enough to kill 26 adults in a few minutes, and the bites are usually so painless that the victim only realizes that they have been bitten when paralysis sets in. Pufferfish are only dangerous if you intend to eat them. If the pufferfish dish is cooked correctly, then all its poison completely evaporates, and it can be consumed without any consequences, except for the adrenaline rush from the thought that the cook made a mistake when preparing the dish.

5. Polonium
Polonium is a slow-acting radioactive poison for which there is no cure. One gram of polonium can kill about 1.5 million people in a few months. The most famous case of polonium poisoning is the murder of former KGB-FSB officer Alexander Litvinenko. Remains of polonium were found in his body at a dose 200 times greater than necessary for a fatal outcome. He died within three weeks.

4. Mercury
There are three very dangerous types of mercury. Elemental mercury can be found in glass thermometers. It is harmless to the touch, but fatal if inhaled. Inorganic mercury is used in the manufacture of batteries and is only lethal if ingested. Organic mercury is found in fish such as tuna and swordfish (you can not eat more than 170 grams of their meat per week). If you eat these types of fish for too long, the harmful substance can accumulate in the body. A famous death from mercury is that of Amadeus Mozart, who was given mercury tablets to treat syphilis.

3. Cyanide
This poison was used in the books of Agatha Christie. Cyanide is very popular (spies use cyanide pills to kill themselves if captured) and there are many reasons for its popularity. First of all: a huge number of substances serve as a source of cyanide - almonds, apple seeds, apricot pit, tobacco smoke, insecticides, pesticides, etc. The murder in this case can be explained by a domestic accident, such as accidental ingestion of a pesticide. A fatal dose of cyanide is 1.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Second, cyanide kills quickly. Depending on the dose, death occurs within 15 minutes. Cyanide in the form of a gas (hydrogen cyanide) was used by Nazi Germany in gas chambers during the Holocaust.

2. Botulinum toxin (Botulinum Toxin)
If you've read the Sherlock Holmes books, you've heard of this poison. Botulinum toxin causes botulism, a disease that is fatal if left untreated. Botulism causes muscle paralysis, eventually leading to paralysis of the respiratory system and death. The bacterium enters the body through open wounds or contaminated food. Botulinum toxin is the same substance used in Botox injections.

1. ArsenicArsenic is called the "King of Poisons" for its invisibility and strength - traces of it were previously impossible to find, so it was often used for murder and in literature. This continued until the invention of the Marsh test, which can be used to find poison in water, food, etc. The “King of Poison” claimed many lives: Napoleon Bonaparte, George III and Simon Bolivar died from this poison. Like belladonna, arsenic was used in the Middle Ages for cosmetic purposes. A few drops of poison made the woman's skin white and pale.

Let's start with the "king" of poisons - Arsenic. Until 1832, arsenic poisoning was extremely difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms of poisoning with this poison were similar to those of cholera. This similarity made it possible to disguise the use of arsenic and its compounds as a deadly poison.

In acute arsenic poisoning, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression of the central nervous system are observed.

Antidote: aqueous sodium thiosulfate solution, dimercaprol.

Cyanide

Potassium cyanide, or potassium cyanide, is the most powerful inorganic poison. It looks like granulated sugar.

When it enters the body, the cells stop absorbing oxygen, as a result of which the body dies from interstitial hypoxia. Potassium cyanide is absorbed very quickly and therefore death occurs within 15 minutes.

Sarin gas

Sarin gas is a poisonous substance with a nerve-paralytic effect.

The first signs of a person's exposure to Sarin are nasal discharge, chest congestion, and constriction of the pupils. Shortly thereafter, the victim has difficulty breathing, nausea and increased salivation. Then the victim completely loses control over bodily functions. This phase is accompanied by convulsions. Ultimately, the victim falls into a comatose state and suffocates in a fit of convulsive spasms, followed by cardiac arrest.

Antidote: Atropine, Pralidoxime, Diazepam, Athens.

diamphotoxin

Diamphotoxin is the most powerful poison of animal origin on our planet, contained in the blood of the larvae of the South African leaf beetle.

Able to reduce the content of hemoglobin in the blood by 75% in a short period of time due to the massive destruction of red blood cells.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote.

Ricin

Ricin is the most powerful plant-derived poison, which is obtained from the castor beans of the castor bean plant.

To kill an adult, a few grains are enough. Ricin kills cells in the human body by preventing the production of the proteins it needs, resulting in organ failure. A person can become poisoned by ricin through inhalation or after ingestion.

If inhaled, symptoms of poisoning usually appear 8 hours after exposure and include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea, sweating, and chest tightness.

If swallowed, symptoms appear in less than 6 hours and include nausea, low blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures. Death can occur in 36-72 hours.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote.

Residents of city apartments and gardeners always deal with insecticides - thiophos, karbofos, chlorophos, metaphos, whose brand names can be very bizarre and even poetic. Their essence, however, does not change - they all belong to organophosphorus compounds, being direct relatives of nerve gases. And they also act by selectively disrupting the work of the cholinesterase enzyme and, thus, "paralyzing" the nervous system.

According to the degree of toxicity, these insect control agents do not look very "modest" - thiophos has a lethal dose when taken orally 1-2 g, and according to some reports, only 0.24 g (less than 10 drops). Metaphos is about five times less toxic (however, not only for humans, but also for insects). Among household poisons, both of them are included in the "leading" group in terms of toxicity.

The most dangerous poisoning is for children, who often hang around bottles of organophosphorus insecticides and can use them on their own at any time. Few adults follow the instructions placed on the bottles: "Keep out of the reach of children!". In addition, in the struggle for the consumer, firms rarely objectively talk about the toxicity of the products they produce, so that adults have a very vague idea about it. Phosphorus organic insecticides are absorbed rapidly - already in the nasal cavity and pharynx.

Poisons penetrate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. All this makes it difficult to provide assistance in case of acute poisoning, especially for a child who cannot really even explain what happened.

But even the correct, according to the instructions, the use of "home" insecticides can lead to many troubles. So, companies guarantee that 1-3 hours after airing a room sprayed with insecticides, you can enter it without any health consequences. Recent studies have debunked this misconception. It turned out that even after two or three weeks, insecticides remain in tangible amounts on the surface of the sprayed objects. At the same time, their highest concentration was determined on toys (!) - both soft and plastic, which absorbed poisons like a sponge. The most striking thing is that when completely clean toys were introduced into the sprayed room, after two weeks they were completely saturated with insecticide to a level 20 times higher than the permissible one.

No less serious is the problem of exposure to pesticides on children in the womb. Even negligible concentrations of these poisons lead to serious violations of the physical and mental development of children. Children exposed to their attack in utero have a weakened memory, poorly recognize objects, and learn various skills more slowly. Both in children and adults, DDT and its related compounds disrupt the exchange of sex hormones, which adversely affect the formation of sexual characteristics in adolescents and sexual function in adults.

ACID

Acid poisoning (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, zinc chloride solution in hydrochloric acid (soldering liquid), a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids ("aqua regia"), etc.) occur when they are mistakenly ingested, usually in a state of alcohol or drugs intoxication. All acids have a cauterizing effect. Sulfuric acid has the most destructive effect on tissues. Burns are found everywhere where acid has come into contact with tissues - on the lips, face, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach. Very concentrated acids can cause destruction of the walls of the stomach. When exposed to the outer skin, acids cause severe burns, which (especially in the case of nitric acid) turn into hard-to-heal ulcers. Depending on the type of acid, burns (both internal and external) differ in color. When burned with sulfuric acid - blackish, hydrochloric acid - grayish-yellow, nitric acid - a characteristic yellow color.

Victims complain of excruciating pains, they do not stop vomiting with blood, breathing is difficult, swelling of the larynx develops, suffocation. With severe burns, a painful shock occurs, which can cause death in the first hours (up to a day) after poisoning. In later periods, death can occur from severe complications - severe internal bleeding, destruction of the walls of the esophagus and stomach, acute pancreatitis.

First aid is the same as for poisoning with acetic acid.

DYES

The list of dyes and pigments used in everyday life and industry is updated every year. What they are not used for - they are part of paints, used for tinting food and medicine, in medicine and printing, for the manufacture of inks and coloring pastes.

They contain almost the entire Periodic Table and are very dangerous if ingested in the form of dust or aerosol. Contacting with open parts of the body and eyes, dyes cause severe dermatoses and conjunctivitis. The latter also occur in contact with painted objects. Dyes often contain very toxic compounds used in their synthesis: mercury, arsenic, etc. Many dyes are extremely insidious, causing cancer.

To prevent poisoning during painting work, it is necessary to use gloves, goggles, if possible sealed overalls, do not eat or drink, after painting, wash your hands thoroughly, wash clothes. If the ink comes into contact with the skin, it must be removed immediately using suitable solvents (eg kerosene) or soapy water.

COPPER AND ITS SALT

Copper salts are widely used in the paint and varnish industry, in agriculture and everyday life to combat fungal diseases. In acute poisoning with them, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain immediately occur, jaundice and anemia develop, symptoms of acute liver and kidney failure are pronounced, hemorrhages are observed in the stomach and intestines. The lethal dose is 1-2 g, but acute poisoning also occurs at doses of 0.2-0.5 g (depending on the type of salt). Acute poisoning also occurs when copper dust or copper oxide enters the body, which are obtained by grinding, welding and cutting products made of copper or copper-containing alloys. The first signs of poisoning are irritation of the mucous membranes, a sweet taste in the mouth. A few hours later, as soon as the copper "dissolves" and absorbs into the tissues, a headache, weakness in the legs, redness of the conjunctiva of the eyes, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, severe chills with an increase in temperature to 38-39 degrees appear. Poisoning is also possible when the dust of copper salts enters the body during crushing and pouring them in order to prepare plant protection products (for example, Bordeaux mixture) or "stain" for building materials. When dry grain is treated with copper carbonate, after a few hours the temperature can rise to 39 degrees and above, the victim is shivering, sweat is pouring from him, he feels weak, aching pain in the muscles, he is tormented by a cough with green sputum (the color of copper salts), which lasts a long time. persists even after the cessation of the fever. Another scenario of poisoning is also possible, when the victim gets a little chilly in the evenings, and after some time an acute attack develops - the so-called copper pickle fever, which lasts 3-4 days.

In chronic poisoning with copper and its salts, the work of the nervous system, kidneys and liver is disrupted, the nasal septum is destroyed, teeth are affected, severe dermatitis, gastritis and peptic ulcer occur. Every year of work with copper reduces life expectancy by almost 4 months. The skin of the face, hair and conjunctiva of the eyes at the same time are painted in a greenish-yellow or greenish-black color, a dark red or purple-red border appears on the gums. Copper dust causes destruction of the cornea of ​​the eye.

Urgent care. Same as with mercury poisoning.

DETERGENTS (WASHING POWDERS, SOAPS)

The incredible variety of detergents and soaps used in everyday life makes it impossible to create any general picture of their poisoning. Their toxic effect also depends on how they enter the body - through the respiratory system in the form of dust when pouring or aerosol when dissolved, through the mouth when accidentally ingested (this is typical for young children left near soaked linen), by skin contact during washing, with poorly rinsed clothes.

In case of contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, conjunctivitis occurs, clouding of the cornea and inflammation of the iris are possible (see Alkalis). Inhalation may cause respiratory complications, including burns and pneumonia. In the case of ingestion, the digestive system is disrupted, vomiting occurs, which is dangerous because the foam formed during it can enter the respiratory tract. In severe cases, the nervous system is affected, blood pressure decreases, oxygen deficiency occurs. Constant contact with detergents leads to the development of allergic dermatoses, in particular, urticaria. An additional danger is counterfeit detergents, which may contain the most unexpected toxic substances, so you should avoid buying uncertified products with dubious origin. Thus, bleach is added to some "home-made products", which, when in contact with water, begins to exude poisonous chlorine (see Chlorine).

Urgent care. If detergents come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, they should be rinsed with a strong stream of water. In case of ingestion, rinse the stomach with water, whole milk or an aqueous suspension of milk and egg whites. The victim is given plenty of fluids, mucous substances (starch, jelly). In severe cases, you need to see a doctor.

MERCURY AND ITS SALT

People's attitude to mercury at all times was almost mystical - it was known to the ancient Romans and Greeks, and alchemists also preferred it. Already in those days, it was well known about its toxicity.

Mercury poisoning in our time is possible both with "entertainment" with mercury balls that fell out of a broken thermometer, and with poisoning with mercury-containing substances widely used in medicine, photography, pyrotechnics, and agriculture. The high danger of mercury itself is associated with its ability to evaporate (in laboratories and in production, it is stored in specially equipped rooms under a layer of water).

The toxicity of mercury vapor is unusually high - poisoning can occur even at a concentration of just a fraction of a milligram per cubic meter. meter of air, with possible fatal outcomes. Soluble salts of mercury are even more poisonous, the lethal dose of which is only 0.2-0.5 g. In chronic poisoning, there is increased fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, indifference to the environment, headaches, dizziness, emotional excitability - the so-called "mercury neurasthenia" . All this is accompanied by trembling ("mercury trembling"), covering the hands, eyelids and tongue, in severe cases - first the legs, and then the whole body. The poisoned person becomes shy, timid, timid, depressed, extremely irritable, whiny, his memory weakens. All this is the result of damage to the central nervous system. There are pains in the limbs, various neuralgia, sometimes paresis of the ulnar nerve. Damage to other organs and systems gradually joins, chronic diseases become aggravated, resistance to infections decreases (mortality from tuberculosis is very high among people in contact with mercury).

Diagnosis of mercury poisoning is very difficult. They hide under the guise of diseases of the respiratory or nervous system. In almost all cases, however, there is a small and frequent trembling of the fingers of the outstretched hands, and many have trembling of the eyelids and tongue. The thyroid gland is usually enlarged, the gums bleed, sweating is pronounced. In women, menstrual irregularities are observed, and with prolonged work, the frequency of miscarriages and premature births progressively increases. One of the important diagnostic criteria are significant changes in the blood formula.

Urgent care. In the absence of special drugs that bind mercury (for example, unitiol), it is necessary to wash the stomach with water with 20-30 g of activated carbon or other enterosorbent, protein water is also effective. Then you need to give milk, egg white whipped with water, laxatives.

Further treatment is carried out under the supervision of a physician, especially since in cases of acute poisoning intensive therapy is required. The victims are shown a milk diet and taking vitamins (including B1 and C).

Prussic acid (CYANIDES)

Hydrocyanic acid and its salts, cyanides, are among the most toxic substances and cause severe poisoning both when taken orally and when inhaled. Hydrocyanic acid vapors have the smell of bitter almonds. Hydrocyanic acid and cyanides are widely used in the production of synthetic fibers, polymers, plexiglass, in medicine, for disinfection, rodent control, fumigation of fruit trees. In addition, hydrocyanic acid is a chemical warfare agent. But it can also be poisoned in completely harmless situations - as a result of eating the grains of some fruits, the seeds of which contain glycosides that release hydrocyanic acid in the stomach. So, 5-25 of these bones can contain a dose of cyanide that is fatal for a small child. It is believed that a lethal dose of the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, which is only 1 g, is contained in 40 g of bitter almonds or 100 g of peeled apricot pits. The stones of plums and cherries are dangerous.

There are frequent cases when, when consuming plum and other compotes with seeds not removed from the fruit, severe and sometimes fatal poisoning is observed.

Hydrocyanic acid and its salts are poisons that disrupt tissue respiration. A manifestation of a sharp decrease in the ability of tissues to consume the oxygen delivered to them is the scarlet color of the blood in the veins. As a result of oxygen starvation, the brain and central nervous system are primarily affected.

Poisoning with cyanide compounds is manifested in increased respiration, lowering blood pressure, convulsions and coma. When taking large doses, consciousness is immediately lost, convulsions occur and death occurs within a few minutes. This is the so-called lightning-fast form of poisoning. With a smaller amount of poison, gradual intoxication develops.

Emergency care and treatment. In case of poisoning, the victim should immediately be allowed to breathe in vapors of amyl nitrite (several minutes). When taking cyanides inside, it is necessary to wash the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a 5% solution of thiosulfate, give a saline laxative. Intravenously introduce sequentially a 1% solution of methylene blue and a 30% solution of sodium thiosulfate. In another option, intravenously inject sodium nitrite (all operations are carried out under strict medical supervision and with monitoring of blood pressure). Additionally, glucose with ascorbic acid, cardiovascular drugs, B vitamins are administered. The use of pure oxygen gives a good effect.

TEAR SUBSTANCES (LACHRIMATORS)

During the First World War, about 600 tons of lachrymators were used. Now they are used to disperse demonstrations, to conduct special operations. In addition, lachrymators (from the Greek "lacrime" - a tear) are the main type of substances pumped into cans for self-defense. The effect of these substances on the body is to irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasopharynx, which leads to profuse lacrimation, spasm of the eyelids, and profuse discharge from the nose. These effects appear almost instantly - within a few seconds. Lachrymators irritate the nerve endings located in the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eyes, and they cause a protective reaction: the desire to wash away the irritant with tears and the closing of the eyelids, which can turn into a spasm. If the eyes are closed, then the tears are removed through the nose, mixing with the secretions from the nose itself. The destruction of the mucous membranes under the action of low concentrations of tear gases does not occur, therefore, after the termination of their action, all functions are restored. However, prolonged use of lachrymators can lead to the development of photophobia, which lasts for several days.

The sequence of appearance of signs of damage depends on the type of lacrimator, its dose and method of application. First, there is a slight irritation of the mucous membranes, weak lacrimation, then severe lacrimation with copious discharge from the nose, pain in the eyes, spasm of the eyelids, and with prolonged poisoning - temporary blindness (when using lachrymators of blistering action, partial or complete loss of vision is possible). A direct hit of a strong jet of some types of lachrymators directly into the eyes is quite dangerous - the principle of the damaging effect of gas cartridges is based on this. The best known lachrymators are cyanogen chloride, used as a chemical warfare agent in the First World War (since 1916), chloroacetophenone, widely used by the Americans in Vietnam and the Portuguese in Angola, bromobenzyl cyanide, and chloropicrin. In addition to tearing, these substances also have a general poisonous (cyanogen chloride), suffocating (all lachrymators), skin-abscess (chloroacetophenone) action.

Symptoms of the lesion quickly disappear when the action of lacrimators ceases. It alleviates the condition of washing the eyes with boric acid or albucide, and the nasopharynx with a weak (2%) solution of baking soda. In severe cases, strong analgesics are used - promedol, morphine, a 1% solution of ethylmorphine is instilled into the eyes. Measures must be taken to remove drops of low-volatile tear substances from the surface of the body and clothing into which they are intensively absorbed, otherwise poisoning may recur.

CARBON MONOXIDE (CARBON OXIDE)

One of the most common sources of poisoning in everyday life. It is formed during improper use of gas, malfunctioning chimneys or inept heating of stoves, as well as in the process of heating car interiors in winter as a product of incomplete combustion of carbon and its compounds. Car exhaust gases can contain up to 13% carbon monoxide. In addition, it is formed by smoking, by burning household waste, its concentration is high near chemical and metallurgical industries.

The essence of poisoning lies in the fact that carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the coloring matter of blood hemoglobin and, thus, disrupts the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to body tissues, resulting in their oxygen starvation. The picture of poisoning depends on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air. When inhaling small amounts of it, one feels heaviness and pressure in the head, severe pain in the forehead and temples, tinnitus, fog in the eyes, dizziness, redness and burning of the skin of the face, trembling, a feeling of weakness and fear, coordination of movements worsens, nausea and vomiting appear. . Further poisoning, while maintaining consciousness, leads to numbness of the victim, he weakens, is indifferent to his own fate, which is why he cannot leave the infection zone. Then confusion increases, intoxication intensifies, the temperature rises to 38-40 degrees. In case of severe poisoning, when the content of hemoglobin associated with carbon monoxide in the blood reaches 50-60%, consciousness is lost, the functioning of the nervous system is seriously impaired: hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, paralysis develop. The feeling of pain is lost early - poisoned with carbon monoxide, not yet losing consciousness, they do not notice the burns received.

Memory is weakened, sometimes to such an extent that the victim ceases to recognize loved ones, the circumstances that caused the poisoning are completely erased from his memory. Breathing is upset - shortness of breath appears, which can last for hours and even days and end in death from respiratory arrest. Death from asphyxiation in acute carbon monoxide poisoning can occur almost instantly.

In severe cases, after recovery, the "memory" of the poisoning "remains" and can manifest itself in the form of fainting and psychosis, decreased intelligence, and odd behavior. Possible paralysis of the cranial nerves, paresis of the extremities. For a very long time there are violations of the function of the intestines, bladder. The organs of vision are severely affected. Even a single poisoning reduces the accuracy of visual perception of space, color and night vision, and its sharpness. Even after mild poisoning, myocardial infarction, gangrene of the extremities and other deadly complications can develop.

With prolonged chronic carbon monoxide poisoning, a whole "bouquet" of symptoms develops, indicating damage to both the nervous system and other organs and systems of the body. Memory and attention decrease, fatigue, irritability increase, obsessive fear, melancholy appear, unpleasant sensations arise in the heart area, shortness of breath. The skin becomes bright red, coordination of movements is disturbed, fingers tremble. After a year and a half of "close contact" with carbon monoxide, persistent disorders of cardiovascular activity occur, heart attacks are frequent. The endocrine system suffers. For men, sexual disorders are typical, in some cases there is severe pain in the testicles, spermatozoa are inactive, which, ultimately, may result in infertility. In women, sexual desire decreases, the menstrual cycle is disturbed, premature births, abortions are possible. Even after single carbon monoxide poisoning during pregnancy, the fetus may die, although the woman herself can endure it without visible consequences. In case of poisoning in the first three months of pregnancy, fetal deformities or the development of cerebral palsy in the future are possible.

Urgent care. The victim must be immediately taken out in a supine position (even if he can move himself) to fresh air, free from clothing that restricts breathing (unbutton the collar, belt), give the body a comfortable position, provide him with peace and warmth (for this you can use heating pads, mustard plasters to legs). When using heating pads, care must be taken, as the victim may not feel the burn. In mild cases of poisoning, give coffee, strong tea. Remove nausea and vomiting with a 0.5% solution of novocaine (inside with teaspoons). Subcutaneously introduce camphor, caffeine, cordiamine, glucose, ascorbic acid. In case of severe poisoning, oxygen should be applied as soon as possible; in this case, intensive care in a hospital is necessary.

ACETIC ACID (VINEGAR)

Most often, burns and poisoning are caused by vinegar essence used in everyday life - an 80% solution of acetic acid. However, they can also be obtained from 30% acid. Both its 2% solution and vapors are dangerous for the eyes.

Immediately after taking vinegar essence, there is a sharp pain in the mouth, pharynx and along the digestive tract, depending on the extent of the burn. The pain intensifies when swallowing, passing food and lasts more than a week. A stomach burn, in addition to a sharp pain in the epigastric region, is accompanied by excruciating vomiting with an admixture of blood. When the essence enters the larynx, in addition to pain, a hoarseness of voice appears, with massive edema - labored, wheezing breathing, the skin turns blue, and suffocation is possible. When taking 15-30 ml, a mild form of poisoning occurs, 30-70 ml - medium, and at 70 ml and above - severe, in which deaths are frequent. Death can occur on the first or second day after poisoning due to burn shock, hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) and other intoxication phenomena (40% of cases). On the third or fifth day after poisoning, the cause of death is most often pneumonia (45% of cases), and in longer periods (6-11 days) - bleeding from the digestive tract (up to 2% of cases). In acute poisoning, the causes of death are acute renal and hepatic failure (12% of cases).

First aid. In case of contact with eyes - immediate, prolonged (15-20 minutes) and abundant (stream) washing with tap water, then instillation of 1-2 drops of a 2% solution of novocaine. Subsequently, instillation of antibiotics (for example, a 0.25% solution of chloramphenicol).

Irritation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract can be eliminated by rinsing the nose and throat with water, inhalation with a 2% soda solution. A warm drink is recommended (milk with soda or Borjomi). In case of contact with skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water. You can use soap or a weak solution (0.5-1%) of alkali. Treat the burn site with disinfectant solutions, for example, furacilin.

In case of poisoning through the mouth - immediate gastric lavage with cold water (12-15 liters) using a thick probe lubricated with vegetable oil. You can add milk or egg white to the water. Soda and laxatives should not be used. If gastric lavage fails, then the victim should be given 3-5 glasses of water to drink and induce vomiting artificially (by inserting a finger into the mouth). This procedure is repeated 3-4 times.

Emetics are contraindicated. Inside give beaten egg whites, starch, mucous decoctions, milk. It is recommended to swallow pieces of ice, an ice pack is placed on the stomach. To eliminate pain and prevent shock, strong analgesics (promedol, morphine) are administered. In a hospital, intensive care and symptomatic treatment are carried out.

ALKALI

Poisoning with caustic alkalis (caustic soda, caustic potash, caustic soda), as well as ammonia (ammonia) occurs both with erroneous ingestion and with improper use. For example, ammonia is sometimes used to eliminate alcohol intoxication (which is completely wrong), resulting in severe poisoning. Even more often, poisoning with soda solutions is observed. When ordinary baking soda is dissolved in boiling water, it begins to bubble due to the release of carbon dioxide. The reaction of the solution becomes strongly alkaline, and rinsing the mouth or swallowing such a concentrated solution can lead to severe poisoning. In this case, children often suffer, often swallowing soda solutions. Poisoning often occurs when the dosages and time of taking alkaline drugs for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastritis associated with increased acidity of gastric juice are not observed.

All caustic alkalis have a very powerful cauterizing effect, and ammonia is a particularly sharp irritating effect. They are deeper than acids (see Acids), penetrate the tissues, forming loose necrotic ulcers covered with whitish or gray scabs. As a result of their ingestion, strong thirst, salivation, bloody vomiting appear. A strong pain shock develops, from which already in the first hours death may occur as a result of a burn and swelling of the pharynx, asphyxiation may develop.? After poisoning, a lot of side effects develop, almost all organs and tissues suffer, massive internal bleeding occurs, the integrity of the wall of the esophagus and stomach is violated, which leads to peritonitis and can be fatal. In case of poisoning with ammonia, due to a sharp excitation of the central nervous system, the respiratory center is depressed, pulmonary and cerebral edema develops. Deaths are very common. With the combined use of alcohol and ammonia, supposedly intended for sobering up, the toxic effects of both poisons are summed up and the picture of poisoning becomes even more severe.

First aid is the same as for acid poisoning, with the exception of the composition of the gastric lavage liquid: in order to neutralize alkalis and ammonia, a 2% solution of citric or acetic acid is used. You can use water or whole milk. If it is impossible to wash the stomach through a tube, then it is necessary to drink weak solutions of citric or acetic acid.

A serious problem is superficial burns caused by alkalis (which happens much more often than poisoning after ingestion). In this case, there are long non-healing ulcers. With constant work with alkalis, the skin softens, the stratum corneum of the skin of the hands is gradually removed (this condition is called "washerwomen's hands"), eczema occurs, the nails become dull and exfoliate from the nail bed. It is dangerous to get even the smallest droplets of alkaline solutions into the eyes - not only the cornea is affected, but also the deep parts of the eye. The outcome is usually tragic - blindness, and vision is practically not restored. This must be taken into account when inhaling soda solutions, especially concentrated and hot ones.

In case of contact with the skin - washing the affected area with a stream of water for 10 minutes, then lotion from a 5% solution of acetic, hydrochloric or citric acid. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with water for 10-30 minutes. Washing should be repeated in the future, for which you can use very weak acidic solutions. If ammonia gets into the eyes after washing, they are instilled with a 1% solution of boric acid or a 30% solution of albucid.

CHLORINE

With this extremely dangerous gas, fate confronts a person more often than we would like. One of the most common reagents in the chemical industry, it enters our lives in the form of chlorinated water, bleach and detergents, disinfectants, such as bleach ("bleach"). If acid accidentally enters the latter, a rapid release of chlorine begins in quantities sufficient for severe poisoning.

High concentrations of chlorine can lead to instant death due to paralysis of the respiratory center. The victim begins to quickly suffocate, his face turns blue, he rushes about, makes an attempt to escape, but immediately falls, loses consciousness, his pulse gradually disappears. In case of poisoning with slightly smaller amounts, breathing resumes after a short stop, but becomes convulsive, the pauses between respiratory movements are longer and longer, until after a few minutes the victim dies from respiratory arrest due to a severe burn of the lungs.

In everyday life, there are poisonings with very low concentrations of chlorine or chronic poisoning due to constant contact with active chlorine-releasing substances. A mild form of poisoning is characterized by redness of the conjunctiva and oral cavity, bronchitis, sometimes slight emphysema, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and often vomiting. Pulmonary edema rarely develops.

Chlorine can stimulate the development of tuberculosis. With chronic contact, the respiratory organs are primarily affected, the gums become inflamed, the teeth and nasal septum are destroyed, and gastrointestinal disorders occur.

Urgent care. First of all, you need clean air, peace, warmth. Immediate hospitalization for severe and moderate forms of poisoning. In case of irritation of the upper respiratory tract, inhalation of a sprayed 2% solution of sodium thiosulfate, solutions of soda or borax. Eyes, nose and mouth should be washed with a 2% soda solution. Plentiful drink is recommended - milk with Borjomi or soda, coffee. With persistent painful cough inside or intravenously, codeine, mustard plasters. With narrowing of the glottis, warm alkaline inhalations, warming of the neck area, subcutaneous 0.1% atropine solution are necessary.

All of us, one way or another, faced with such a phenomenon as poisons.

Someone enthusiastically read about them in books, someone was briefly told in class at school, and someone directly worked with them.

Poisons are divided into natural and artificially created, and have been present in human history since time immemorial. People, such ruthless and sophisticated creatures, not only learned how to extract poison from natural materials, but also decided to go further - they created ways to kill with their own hands. And, I must admit, they did it well.

The heyday of poisons fell on the dark and mysterious Middle Ages - the time when animal fear, cruelty and unquestioning obedience to religion dominated society. And, as it turned out, the endless games of the nobility with death, in the struggle for the throne, became the finishing touch in the gloomy trail of the Middle Ages.
However, even today, poisons have not lost their relevance and continue to interest many people. It is a pity, of course, that not only for scientific purposes.

But, if you found this article out of pure curiosity - why not?
Check out the top 10 most dangerous poisons in the world.

The dangerous effect of mercury on the human body is known to everyone. That is why we were so often told to be careful with thermometers and immediately take appropriate measures if it turned out to be broken.

Theoretically, there are three forms of mercury that are deadly to humans: elemental, organic, and inorganic mercury. We often encounter elemental mercury in everyday life - these are the same banal old thermometers or fluorescent lamps. This kind of mercury is safe to touch, but can be fatal if inhaled.

The symptoms of mercury poisoning are almost the same in all species, and can range from nausea and seizures to blindness and even memory loss.

If we turn to history, then arsenic at one time was the most popular poison and a favorite among killers. It was even called "royal poison".

Arsenic has been used since ancient times (the use of this poison was even attributed to Caligula), mainly in order to eliminate enemies and competitors in the endless struggle for the throne - and it doesn’t matter, royal or papal. Arsenic was the poison of choice for all European nobility during the Middle Ages.

Its popularity was justified by various factors - both power and availability. For example, in the UK, arsenic was sold in pharmacies as a rodent poison.

However, while in Europe arsenic brought only death and suffering, traditional Chinese medicine used it to treat diseases such as syphilis and psoriasis for two thousand years. Nowadays, scientists have experimentally proven that leukemia can be treated with arsenic. And it was the Chinese doctors who discovered that such a strong poison, as it turned out, was able to successfully block the proteins responsible for the growth and reproduction of cancer cells.

Quite a sensational poison in its time.

Anthrax is a frequent guest in the media due to the large batch of letters infected with it and sent to innocent victims in the United States. As a result of this attack, 10 people died and another 17 were seriously infected.

In this regard, a grandiose universal paranoia broke out in the country, affecting millions. And, we must admit that it is not in vain. After all, anthrax is caused by bacteria, and one breath is enough for complete infection. Such a strong poison is spread by spores that are released into the air.

After infection, the victim feels only a chill, gradually turning into a violation of breathing, and then into a stop. Mortality from this disease reaches as much as 90% percent in the first week after infection.

This famous toxin has become literally synonymous with poison.

Potassium cyanide can be in the form of a colorless gas with the smell of bitter almonds (everyone remembers the novels of Agatha Christie?), or crystals. Cyanide is present almost everywhere: this poison is able to form naturally in some foods and plants.

Also, cyanide is present in cigarettes. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, printing photographs, and, of course, potassium cyanide is a must in insecticides.

You can get poisoned by cyanide by inhaling this substance, swallowing it, or even simply touching it. The smallest dose is enough for the poison, once it enters the body, to paralyze the bloodstream and block the access of oxygen. Death occurs almost instantly.

Potassium cyanide was actively used during World War I, and was banned along with all chemical weapons later, in accordance with the Geneva Convention.

Sarin is one of the most powerful nerve agents and is considered a weapon of mass destruction. Death from this poison is always incredibly painful and brings terrible agony to the victim. Causing complete asphyxiation, Zarin kills a person in just a minute, which, however, seems like an eternity to the victim.

Despite the fact that the production of Sarin has been banned by law since 1993, quite a few cases of its use have been recorded since then. For example, in terrorist attacks or chemical wars. The chemical attack of 1995 in the Tokyo subway and the riots in Syria and Iraq stand out especially strongly against this background.

Initially, strychnine was extracted from trees that grew in Southeast Asia and India.

Pure strychnine is a white powder, bitter tasting and deadly by any means of ingestion, whether by injection or inhalation.

Although strychnine's original use was as a pesticide, it has been reported numerous times as being added to drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

In case of strychnine poisoning, many symptoms can appear within thirty minutes, such as: muscle spasms, respiratory failure, nausea, vomiting, and it is not uncommon that the entire process of spreading the poison throughout the body ends in brain death. And all this in just half an hour!

A mushroom that contains such a powerful poison, unfortunately, looks no more dangerous than its edible counterparts. However, only thirty grams of a deadly mushroom can send a person to the "other world."

Amatoxin has an incredibly destructive effect on the human body. This poison can cause serious damage to the kidneys and liver, cause necrosis of organ cells in just a couple of days. Also, it often causes multiple organ failure and even coma.

Amatoxin is such a strong poison that it can seriously harm the heart. In this case, certain death awaits the victim, without the imminent introduction of an antidote, which, by the way, is a large dose of penicillin. Without an antidote, victims of amatoxin have a 100% chance of falling into a coma and dying from liver or heart failure in a few days.

The “supplier” of this well-known poison is Fugu fish, which at first glance will not seem to you particularly dangerous predators. However, their skin, intestines, liver and other organs contain one of the most dangerous and deadly poisons known to mankind.

If cooked incorrectly, Fugu fish can cause convulsions, paralysis, various mental disorders and many other health problems in those who dare to try it. Despite this danger, because tetrodotoxin is a deadly poison, people in many countries continue to order this fish, sometimes even paying an insurance premium in advance.

And although the delicacy is Japanese, and it would seem that it is in Japan that everyone should know how to cook such a “risky” dish, it is in this country that the largest number of victims per year is registered. About three hundred people are poisoned with tetrodotoxin every year, and more than half of them die.

As a derivative of the castor bean, a perennial, highly poisonous plant, ricin is also considered a natural poison. Therefore, people are at risk of succumbing to its effects in several ways: through food, air or water. And, depending on this pathway, the symptoms of ricin poisoning can vary.

However, the principle of damage to the body remains the same. Ricin poisons the body, blocking the ability of cells to synthesize the protein necessary for life. As a result, such "blocked" cells die, and this, in turn, often leads to the failure of the entire organ, which has undergone a poisonous attack of ricin.

And the fact that ricin has the most lethal effect when inhaled served as a signal to many people who began to mail the poison in envelopes, as they once did with anthrax. After all, just one pinch of ricin can kill a person.

When all these facts are taken into account, it becomes clear why the decision was made to study ricin as a tool for chemical warfare.

In this article, we have listed quite a few poisons that are incredibly powerful and can kill in record time. However, many experts in the field of toxicology unanimously agree that the most deadly poison in the world can be called botulinum toxin. By the way, it is he who is used in Botox injections in order to smooth out wrinkles.

This poison leads to botulism, a disease that causes respiratory failure, neurological damage, and other more severe injuries.

Several factors have led to the status of the most dangerous poison on Earth, Botulinum toxin. Its volatile and easily accessible nature, its powerful effect on the body and its frequent use in medicine. For example, just one tube full of this toxin could potentially kill about a hundred people.

The scope of botulinum toxin is multifaceted - starting from the well-known Botox and ending as a way to treat migraine. Therefore, even deaths among patients are not uncommon, as a result of procedures that included Botox injections.