Rat poison. Making poison at home Available poisons are lethal to humans

Poisons have been used from ancient times to the present day as weapons, antidotes, and even medicine.

In fact, poisons are found all around us, in drinking water, in household items and even in our blood.

The word "poison" is used to describe any substance that can cause a dangerous disorder in the body.

Even in small quantities, the poison can lead to poisoning and death.

Here are some examples of some of the most insidious poisons that can be fatal to humans.

Many poisons can be lethal in small doses, so it is quite difficult to single out the most dangerous one. However, many experts agree that botulinum toxin, which is used in Botox injections to smooth out wrinkles is the strongest.

Botulism is a serious disease leading to paralysis, caused by botulinum toxin, which is produced by bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This poison causes damage to the nervous system, respiratory arrest and death in terrible agony.

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, double vision, facial weakness, speech impediments, difficulty swallowing and others. The bacterium can enter the body through food (usually poorly canned foods) and through open wounds.

2. Poison ricin

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

If ingested, symptoms appear in less than 6 hours and include nausea and diarrhea (possibly bloody), low blood pressure, hallucinations and seizures. Death may occur within 36-72 hours.

3. Sarin gas

A person can be poisoned by sarin gas by inhaling or exposing the gas to the eyes and skin. Initially, symptoms may appear such as runny nose and chest tightness, difficulty breathing and nausea.

Then the person loses control over all functions of his body and falls into a coma, convulsions and spasms occur until suffocation occurs.

4. Tetrodotoxin

This toxin causes paralysis, convulsions, mental disorder and other symptoms. Death occurs within 6 hours after ingestion of the poison.

Every year, several people are known to die painful deaths from tetrodotoxin poisoning after eating fugu.

5. Potassium cyanide

Cyanide was used in ancient times, and in the modern world it was a method of capital punishment. Poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion and even touching, causing symptoms such as seizures, respiratory failure and in severe cases death, which may occur in a few minutes. It kills by binding to iron in blood cells, making them unable to carry oxygen.

6. Mercury and mercury poisoning

Inhalation of mercury vapor (the metal quickly turns into a gas at room temperature) affects the lungs and brain, turning off the central nervous system.

Inorganic mercury, which is used to make batteries, can be fatal if ingested and cause kidney damage and other symptoms. Organic mercury found in fish and seafood is usually hazardous over long-term exposure. Symptoms of poisoning may include memory loss, blindness, seizures and others.

7. Strychnine and strychnine poisoning

The degree of strychnine poisoning depends on the amount and route of entry into the body, but a small amount of this poison is enough to cause a serious condition. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle spasms, respiratory failure and even lead to brain death 30 minutes after exposure.

8. Arsenic and arsenic poisoning

Arsenic is considered a heavy metal with properties similar to those of lead and mercury. In high concentrations it can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as abdominal pain, seizures, coma and death. In small amounts, it can contribute to a number of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

9. Poison curare

Death from curare is slow and painful, as the victim remains conscious but cannot move or speak. However, if artificial respiration is applied before the poison settles, the person can be saved. Amazon tribes used curare to hunt animals, but the poisoned animal meat was not dangerous to those who consumed it.

10. Batrachotoxin

Frogs themselves do not produce poison; it is accumulated from the foods they consume, mainly small bugs. The most dangerous poison content was found in a species of frogs terrible leaf climber, living in Colombia.

One specimen contains enough batrachotoxin to kill two dozen people or several elephants. I affects nerves, especially around the heart, makes breathing difficult and quickly leads to death.

The Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus once correctly noted: “All substances are poisons; there is not a single one that is not. It’s all about the dose,” and he was absolutely right.

It’s paradoxical: the human body is almost 70% water, but even water in large quantities is destructive. However, sometimes even a drop of a substance is enough, which can be fatal. From flowers to heavy metals and gases produced by man himself; Below is a list of the most dangerous poisons known to mankind.

Cyanide exists in the form of a colorless gas or crystals, but in either case it is quite dangerous. It smells like bitter almonds, and when it enters the body, in just a few minutes it leads to the appearance of symptoms such as headache, nausea, rapid breathing and increased heart rate, as well as weakness. If action is not taken promptly, cyanide kills by depriving the body's cells of oxygen. And yes, cyanide can be obtained from apple seeds, but don't worry if you eat a few. You will have to eat about ten apples before enough cyanide has accumulated in your body for you to feel all of the above. Please don't do this.

24. Hydrofluoric acid (Fluoric acid)

Hydrofluoric acid is a poison used, among other things, to make Teflon. In its liquid state, this substance easily seeps through the skin into the bloodstream. In the body, it reacts with calcium and can even destroy bone tissue. The worst thing is that the effect of contact does not appear immediately, which increases the likelihood of causing serious damage to health.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring crystalline semimetal and perhaps one of the best known and most common poisons used as a murder weapon in the late 19th century. However, its use for such purposes began in the mid-1700s. The effect of arsenic lasts from several hours to several days, but the result is the same - death. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea, which made it difficult to distinguish arsenic poisoning from dysentery or cholera 120 years ago.

22. Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade

Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade is a very poisonous herb (flower) with a romantic history. What makes it poisonous is an alkaloid called atropine. Absolutely the entire plant is poisonous, although to varying degrees: the root contains the most poison, and the berries contain less. However, even two pieces are enough to kill a child. Some people use belladonna for relaxation as a hallucinogen, and in Victorian times women would often drop belladonna tincture into their eyes to dilate their pupils and make their eyes sparkle. Before death, under the influence of belladonna, a seizure develops, the pulse quickens and confusion occurs. Belladonna is not a toy for children.

21. Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide)

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless substance and slightly less dense than air. It poisons and then kills a person. Part of what makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is that it is difficult to detect; sometimes called the "silent killer". This substance prevents oxygen from entering the body for normal cell functioning. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu without fever: headache, weakness, drowsiness, lethargy, insomnia, nausea and confusion. Fortunately, a carbon monoxide detector can be purchased at any specialty store.

20. Beach apple tree

The most dangerous tree in all of North America grows in Florida. The Manchineel tree or Beach apple tree has small green fruits that look like sweet apples. Don't eat them! And don't touch this tree! Don't sit next to it and pray you never end up underneath it in windy weather. If the sap gets on your skin, it will blister, and if it gets in your eyes, you can go blind. The sap is contained in the leaves and bark, so don't touch them!

Fluoride is a highly poisonous, pale yellow gas that is corrosive and will react with almost anything. For fluorine to be lethal, a concentration of 0.000025% is sufficient. It causes blindness and suffocation like mustard gas, but its effects are much worse on the victim.

18. Sodium fluoroacetate

The pesticide used is Compound 1080, also known as sodium fluoroacetate. It is found naturally in some plant species in Africa, Brazil and Australia. The terrible truth of this deadly, odorless and tasteless poison is that there is no antidote for it. Oddly enough, the bodies of those who die from exposure to sodium fluoroacetate remain poisonous for a full year.

The most dangerous man-made poison is called dioxin - it only takes 50 micrograms to kill an adult. It is the third most toxic poison known to science, 60 times more toxic than cyanide.

16. Dimethylmercury (neurotoxin)

Dimethylmercury (a neurotoxin) is a terrible poison because it can penetrate most standard protective equipment, such as thick latex gloves. This is exactly what happened to a chemist named Karen Wetterhan in 1996. A single drop of colorless liquid fell on my gloved hand, and that was it. Symptoms began to appear FOUR MONTHS later and she died six months later.

15. Wolfsbane (Wrestler)

Wolfsbane (Fighter) also known as "Monk's Hood", "Wolfsbane", "Leopard's Venom", "Women's Curse", "Devil's Helmet", "Queen of Poisons" and "Blue Rocket". This is practically an entire genus, which includes more than 250 herbs, most of which are extremely poisonous. Flowers can be either blue or yellow. Some of the plants have been used not only in folk medicine, but also as murder weapons over the past decade.

The toxin found in poisonous mushrooms is called amatoxin. It attacks liver and kidney cells and kills them within a few days. May affect the heart and central nervous system. Treatment is available, but results are not guaranteed. The poison is temperature stable and cannot be removed by drying. Therefore, if you are not 100% sure that the mushrooms you collect are safe, do not eat them.

Anthrax is actually a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis. What makes you sick is not so much the bacteria as the toxin it produces when it enters the body. Bacillus Anthracis can enter the system through the skin, mouth or respiratory tract. The mortality rate for airborne anthrax is as high as 75% even though there is a cure.

12. Hemlock plant

Hemlock is a classic poisonous plant that was regularly used for executions in ancient Greece. There are several varieties, and in North America, water hemlock is the most common plant. You could die if you ate it, yet people still add hemlock to salads, considering it an acceptable ingredient. Water hemlock causes painful and severe convulsions, cramps and tremors. People who have experienced the full power of the whitehead, but survive, may subsequently suffer from amnesia. Water hemlock is considered the deadliest plant in North America. Keep an eye on small children and even teenagers when they are outside! Don't eat anything unless you are 100% sure it is safe.

11. Strychnine

Strychnine is commonly used to kill small mammals and birds and is often a major component of rat poison. In large doses, strychnine is also dangerous for people. It can be swallowed, inhaled, or taken into the body through the skin. The first symptoms: painful muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting. Muscle contractions ultimately lead to suffocation. Death can occur within half an hour. This is a very unpleasant way to die, for both humans and rats.

Most knowledgeable people consider maytotoxin to be the most powerful marine toxin. It is found in a dinoflagellate algae called Gambierdiscus toxicus. For mice, meiototoxin is the most toxic among non-protein toxins.

Mercury is a heavy metal that is quite toxic to humans if inhaled or touched. Touching it can cause the skin to peel off, and if you inhale the mercury vapor, it will eventually shut down your central nervous system and be fatal. Before then, kidney failure, memory loss, brain damage and blindness are likely to occur.

8. Polonium

Polonium is a radioactive chemical element. Its most common form is 250,000 times more toxic than hydrocyanic acid. It emits alpha particles (not compatible with organic tissues). Alpha particles cannot penetrate the skin, so polonium must be ingested or injected into the victim. However, if this happens, the result will not be long in coming. One theory is that a gram of polonium 210 is injected into the body. could kill up to ten million people, causing first radiation poisoning and then cancer.

Suicide tree or Cerbera odollam works by disrupting the natural rhythm of the heart and often causing death. A member of the same family as Oleander, the plant was often used to perform the "innocence test" in Madagascar. An estimated 3,000 people a year died from drinking Cerberus venom before the practice was made illegal in 1861. (If the person survived, he was found innocent. If he died, it no longer mattered.)

Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum and is an incredibly powerful neurotoxin. It causes paralysis, which can lead to death. Botulinum toxin is known by its commercial name, Botox. Yes, that's what the doctor injects into your mom's forehead to make it less wrinkled (or into her neck to help with migraines) that causes muscle paralysis.

5. Pufferfish

Pufferfish is considered a delicacy in some countries, where it is called Fugu; it's a dish that few would literally die for. Why does death occur? Because the insides of the fish contain tetrodotoxin, and in Japan, approximately 5 people a year die from eating puffer fish as a result of improper preparation technology. But gourmets continue to persist.

4. Sarin gas

Sarin gas makes you relive the worst moments of your life. The chest shrinks, stronger and stronger, and then... death comes. Although the use of Sarin was made illegal in 1995, it has not stopped being used in terrorist attacks.

3. "Poison Arrow"

The Golden Poison Arrow Frog is tiny, adorable and very dangerous. Just one thumb-sized frog contains enough neurotoxin to kill ten people! A dose equal to about two crystals of salt is enough to kill an adult. This is why some Amazonian tribes used poison on the tips of their hunting arrows. One touch of such an arrow kills within a few minutes! When walking in the Amazon forests, stick to the rule: do not touch red, blue, green and especially yellow frogs.

Ricin is even more dangerous than anthrax. This substance is obtained from castor beans, the same plant from which castor oil is extracted. This poison is especially toxic if inhaled, and a pinch is enough to kill an adult.

1. "VX"

Codenamed "Purple Possum," the VX chemical is the most powerful nerve gas on Earth. It is man-made, and you can thank the United Kingdom for that. Technically, it was banned in 1993, and the US government allegedly ordered the destruction of its stock, but whether this is actually the case is anyone's guess.

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

In terms of the degree of toxicity, these insect control agents do not look very “modest” - thiophos has a lethal dose when taken orally of 1-2 g, and according to some data only 0.24 g (less than 10 drops). Metaphos is about five times less toxic (though 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 poisonings are children, who often hang around bottles with organophosphorus insecticides and can use them themselves at any time. Few adults follow the instructions on bottles: “Keep away from children!” In addition, in the struggle for consumers, companies rarely objectively talk about the toxicity of the products they produce, so that adults have a very vague idea about it. Organophosphorus insecticides are absorbed rapidly - already in the nasal cavity and pharynx.

Poisons penetrate through 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 even really explain what happened.

But even the correct use of “homemade” insecticides according to the instructions can lead to many troubles. Thus, companies guarantee that 1-3 hours after airing a room sprayed with insecticides, it can be entered without any health consequences. Recent research has debunked this misconception. It turned out that even after two to three weeks insecticides remain on the surface of sprayed objects in noticeable quantities. Moreover, their highest concentration was determined on toys (!) - both soft and plastic, which absorbed poisons like a sponge. The most amazing thing is that when completely clean toys were brought into the sprayed room, after two weeks they were completely saturated with insecticide to a level 20 times higher than permissible.

No less serious is the problem of exposure of children in the womb to pesticides. Even insignificant concentrations of these poisons lead to serious impairments in the physical and mental development of children. Children exposed to their attack in utero have weakened memory, do not recognize objects well, and learn various skills more slowly. In both children and adults, DDT and related compounds disrupt the metabolism of sex hormones, which has a detrimental effect on the formation of sexual characteristics in adolescents and on sexual function in adults.

ACIDS

Poisoning with acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric, a solution of zinc chloride in hydrochloric acid (soldering liquid), a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids ("regia vodka"), etc.) occurs 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 tissue. Burns are found everywhere where the acid has come into contact with tissue - on the lips, face, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach." Very concentrated acids can cause destruction of the stomach walls. When acids come into contact with the outer skin, they cause severe burns, which turn (especially in the case of nitric acid) into difficult-to-heal ulcers. Depending on the type of acid, burns (both internal and external) differ in color. In case of a burn with sulfuric acid - blackish, with hydrochloric acid - grayish-yellow, with nitric acid - a characteristic yellow color.

The victims complain of excruciating pain, they continue to vomit blood, breathing is difficult, swelling of the larynx and suffocation develop. With severe burns, a painful shock occurs, which can cause death in the first hours (up to 24 hours) after poisoning. At a later date, 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 acetic acid poisoning.

DYES

The list of dyes and pigments used in everyday life and industry is growing every year. They are used for many different purposes - they are part of paints, they are used for tinting food products and medicines, in medicine and printing, for the production of ink and coloring pastes.

They contain almost the entire periodic table and are very dangerous if ingested in the form of dust or aerosol. When in contact with exposed parts of the body and eyes, dyes cause severe dermatoses and conjunctivitis. The latter also occur upon 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, and, if possible, sealed overalls, not to eat or drink, and after painting, wash your hands thoroughly and wash your clothes. If paint gets on your 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 in everyday life to combat fungal diseases. In case of acute poisoning, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain immediately occur, jaundice and anemia develop, symptoms of acute liver and kidney failure are pronounced, and 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, which is obtained during grinding, welding and cutting products made of copper or copper-containing alloys, enters the body. 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 is absorbed into the tissue, 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 dust from copper salts enters the body during crushing and pouring them for the purpose of preparing plant protection products (for example, Bordeaux mixture) or “treating” for building materials. When dry pickling grain with copper carbonate, after a few hours the temperature can rise to 39 degrees or higher, the victim shudders, sweat pours 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 for a long time. persists even after the cessation of fever. Another scenario of poisoning is also possible, when the victim becomes slightly chilled in the evenings, and after some time an acute attack develops - the so-called copper mordant fever, lasting 3-4 days.

Chronic poisoning with copper and its salts disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, kidneys and liver, the nasal septum is destroyed, teeth are affected, severe dermatitis, gastritis and peptic ulcers occur. Every year of working with copper reduces life expectancy by almost 4 months. The skin of the face, hair and conjunctiva of the eyes turn greenish-yellow or greenish-black, and a dark red or purplish-red border appears on the gums. Copper dust causes destruction of the cornea of ​​the eye.

Urgent Care. The same as for 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 poisoning by them. Their toxic effect also depends on the way they enter the body - through the respiratory system in the form of dust when poured or an aerosol when dissolved, through the mouth when accidentally ingested (this is typical for small children left near soaked underwear), in contact with skin 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 Alkalies). Inhalation may cause respiratory complications, including burns and pneumonia. If taken orally, the functioning of 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, and oxygen deficiency occurs. Constant contact with detergents leads to the development of allergic dermatoses, in particular urticaria. An additional danger is posed by counterfeit laundry detergents, which may contain the most unexpected toxic substances, so it is necessary to avoid purchasing uncertified products of dubious origin. So, some “homemade products” add bleach, which when it comes into contact with water begins to emit toxic chlorine (see Chlorine).

Urgent Care. If detergents come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, rinse them with a strong stream of water. If taken orally, rinse the stomach with water, whole milk or an aqueous suspension of milk and egg whites. The victim is given plenty of fluids and mucous substances (starch, jelly). In severe cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

MERCURY AND ITS SALT

People's attitude towards 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 they were well aware of its toxicity.

Mercury poisoning in our time is possible both through “entertainment” with mercury balls that fell out of a broken thermometer, and through 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, and deaths are possible. Soluble mercury salts are even more poisonous, the lethal dose of which is only 0.2-0.5 g. In chronic poisoning, increased fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, indifference to the environment, headaches, dizziness, emotional excitability are observed - the so-called “mercury neurasthenia” . All this is accompanied by trembling ("mercury tremors"), covering the hands, eyelids and tongue, in severe cases - first the legs, and then the whole body. The poisoned person becomes shy, timid, fearful, depressed, extremely irritable, tearful, and his memory weakens. All this is the result of damage to the central nervous system. Pain in the limbs, various neuralgia, and sometimes paresis of the ulnar nerve occur. Gradually, damage to other organs and systems occurs, chronic diseases worsen, and resistance to infections decreases (mortality from tuberculosis is very high among people in contact with mercury).

Diagnosing mercury poisoning is very difficult. They are hidden under the guise of diseases of the respiratory system or nervous system. In almost all cases, however, there is a fine and frequent trembling of the fingers of outstretched arms, and in many cases, trembling of the eyelids and tongue. The thyroid gland is usually enlarged, the gums bleed, and sweating is severe. Women experience menstrual irregularities, and with long-term work, the frequency of miscarriages and premature births progressively increases. One of the important diagnostic criteria is significant changes in the blood formula.

Urgent Care. In the absence of special drugs that bind mercury (for example, unithiol), it is necessary to rinse 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 whites beaten with water, and laxatives.

Further treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, especially since in cases of acute poisoning intensive care is required. Victims are advised to take a milk diet and take vitamins (including B1 and C).

PRYANIC ACID (CYANIDE)

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 vapor has 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, and fumigation of fruit trees. In addition, hydrocyanic acid is a chemical warfare agent. But you can also become poisoned in a completely harmless situation - as a result of eating grains of certain fruits, the seeds of which contain glycosides that release hydrocyanic acid in the stomach. So, 5-25 of these seeds can contain a dose of cyanide that is fatal to a small child. It is believed that a lethal dose of the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, amounting to only 1 g, is contained in 40 g of bitter almonds or in 100 g of peeled apricot kernels. Plum and cherry pits are dangerous.

It is not uncommon for severe and sometimes fatal poisoning to occur when consuming plum and other compotes with seeds not removed from the fruit.

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 manifests itself in increased breathing, decreased blood pressure, convulsions and coma. When large doses are taken, consciousness is immediately lost, convulsions occur and death occurs within a few minutes. This is the so-called fulminant 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 amyl nitrite vapor (several minutes). When taking cyanides orally, it is necessary to rinse the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a 5% solution of thiosulfate, and give a saline laxative. Intravenously administer sequentially a 1% solution of methylene blue and a 30% solution of sodium thiosulfate. In another option, sodium nitrite is administered intravenously (all operations are carried out under strict medical supervision and with blood pressure monitoring). Additionally, glucose with ascorbic acid, cardiovascular drugs, and B vitamins are administered. The use of pure oxygen has a good effect.

TEAR SUBSTANCES (LACHRIMATORS)

During the First World War, approximately 600 tons of lachrymators were used. Now they are used to disperse demonstrations and carry out special operations. In addition, lachrymators (from the Greek “lakryme” - 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, spasms of the eyelids, and copious nasal discharge. 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 defensive reaction: the desire to wash away the irritant with tears and the closing of the eyelids, which can turn into a spasm. If you close your eyes, the tears are removed through the nose, mixing with secretions from the nose itself. Destruction of the mucous membranes does not occur under the influence of low concentrations of tear gases, therefore, after the cessation of their action, all functions are restored. However, long-term use of lachrimators 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 lachrymator, its dose and method of application. First, there is slight irritation of the mucous membranes, mild 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 blister lachrymators, partial or complete loss of vision is possible). Direct contact with a strong jet of some types of lachrymators directly into the eyes is quite dangerous - this is the basis for the principle of the damaging effect of gas canisters. The most famous lachrymators are cyanogen chloride, used as a chemical warfare agent back 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 the lachrymatory effect, these substances also have a generally toxic (cyanchloride), asphyxiant (all lachrymators), and skin-vesicant (chloroacetophenone) effect.

Symptoms of the lesion quickly disappear when the action of the lachrimators is stopped. The condition is alleviated by washing the eyes with boric acid or albucid, and the nasopharynx with a weak (2%) solution of baking soda. In severe cases, strong analgesics are used - promedol, morphine, and a 1% solution of ethylmorphine is instilled into the eyes. It is necessary to take measures to remove droplets 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 MOXIDE)

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

The essence of poisoning is that carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the coloring substance of the blood, hemoglobin, and thus disrupts the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body, resulting in their oxygen starvation. The picture of poisoning depends on the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air. When inhaling small quantities of it, heaviness and pressure are felt in the head, severe pain in the forehead and temples, tinnitus, fog in the eyes, dizziness, redness and burning of the facial skin, 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, and 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, and the functioning of the nervous system is seriously disrupted: hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, and paralysis develop. The feeling of pain is lost early - those poisoned by carbon monoxide, not yet losing consciousness, do not notice the burns they receive.

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

In severe cases, after recovery, the “memory” of poisoning “remains” and can manifest itself in the form of fainting and psychosis, decreased intelligence, and strange behavior. Paralysis of the cranial nerves and paresis of the limbs are possible. Intestinal and bladder dysfunctions take a very long time to resolve. 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 acuity. Even after mild poisoning, myocardial infarction, gangrene of the extremities and other deadly complications can develop.

With long-term 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 and irritability increase, obsessive fear and melancholy appear, discomfort in the heart area, and shortness of breath occur. The skin becomes bright red, coordination of movements is impaired, fingers tremble. After a year and a half of “close contact” with carbon monoxide, persistent disturbances in cardiovascular activity occur, and heart attacks are frequent. The endocrine system suffers. Sexual disorders are typical for men, in some cases there is severe pain in the testicular area, sperm are inactive, which ultimately can result in infertility. In women, sexual desire decreases, the menstrual cycle is disrupted, premature births and abortions are possible. Even after single carbon monoxide poisoning during pregnancy, the fetus can die, although the woman herself can endure it without visible consequences. If poisoned in the first three months of pregnancy, fetal deformities or the subsequent development of cerebral palsy are possible.

Urgent Care. The victim must be immediately taken out in a lying position (even if he can move on his own) into fresh air, freed from clothing that restricts breathing (unfasten the collar, belt), give the body a comfortable position, provide him with peace and warmth (for this you can use heating pads, mustard plasters, legs). Caution is needed when using heating pads, as the victim may not feel the burn. In mild cases of poisoning, give coffee or strong tea. Relieve nausea and vomiting with a 0.5% solution of novocaine (inside teaspoons). Subcutaneously inject camphor, caffeine, cordiamine, glucose, ascorbic acid. In case of severe poisoning, use oxygen as quickly as possible; in this case, intensive care in a hospital setting is necessary.

ACETIC ACID (VINEGAR)

The most common cause of burns and poisoning is the 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 its vapor are dangerous for the eyes.

Immediately after taking vinegar essence, a sharp pain occurs in the mouth, throat and along the digestive tract, depending on the extent of the burn. The pain intensifies when swallowing or passing food and lasts more than a week. A stomach burn, in addition to sharp pain in the epigastric region, is accompanied by painful vomiting mixed with blood. When the essence gets into the larynx, in addition to pain, hoarseness appears, with massive swelling - difficult, wheezing breathing, the skin turns blue, and possible suffocation. When taking 15-30 ml, a mild form of poisoning occurs, 30-70 ml - moderate, and when 70 ml and above - severe, with frequent deaths. 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 to fifth days 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 liver failure (12% of cases).

First aid. In case of contact with the eyes, immediately, for a long time (15-20 minutes) and abundantly (with a stream) rinse them with tap water, then instill 1-2 drops of a 2% solution of novocaine. Subsequently, instillation of antibiotics (for example, 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 and inhaling a 2% soda solution. A warm drink (milk with soda or Borjomi) is recommended. 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, furatsilin.

In case of poisoning through the mouth, immediately rinse the stomach with cold water (12-15 l) 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 cannot be done, 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. Beaten egg whites, starch, mucous decoctions, and milk are given internally. It is recommended to swallow pieces of ice and place an ice pack on the stomach. To eliminate pain and prevent shock, strong analgesics (promedol, morphine) are administered. In a hospital setting, intensive therapy and symptomatic treatment are provided.

ALKALI

Poisoning with caustic alkalis (caustic soda, caustic potassium, caustic soda), as well as ammonia (ammonia) occurs both through erroneous ingestion and improper use. For example, ammonia is sometimes used to eliminate alcohol intoxication (which is completely wrong), resulting in severe poisoning. Poisoning with soda solutions is even more common. When regular baking soda is dissolved in boiling water, it begins to bubble due to the release of carbon dioxide. The reaction of the solution becomes highly 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 dosages and times of taking alkaline medications 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 has a particularly sharp irritating effect. They penetrate deeper than acids (see Acids) into tissues, forming loose necrotic ulcers covered with whitish or gray scabs. As a result of their ingestion, severe thirst, salivation, and bloody vomiting appear. A severe painful shock develops, from which death can occur in the first hours as a result of burns and swelling of the pharynx, and suffocation can develop.? After poisoning, a lot of side effects develop, almost all organs and tissues are affected, massive internal bleeding occurs, the integrity of the wall of the esophagus and stomach is compromised, which leads to peritonitis and can be fatal. In case of ammonia poisoning, due to a sharp excitation of the central nervous system, the respiratory center is depressed, and edema of the lungs and brain develops. Fatalities are very common. When alcohol and ammonia are used together, 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, use a 2% solution of citric or acetic acid. You can use water or whole milk. If it is impossible to rinse the stomach through a tube, then you need 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, long-term non-healing ulcers occur. With constant work with alkalis, the skin softens, the stratum corneum of the skin of the hands is gradually removed (this condition is called “washerwoman’s hands”), eczema occurs, the nails become dull and peel off from the nail bed. Getting even the smallest drops of alkaline solutions into the eyes is dangerous - 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 skin, wash the affected area with a stream of water for 10 minutes, then apply a lotion with a 5% solution of acetic, hydrochloric or citric acid. In case of contact with eyes, rinse thoroughly with a stream of water for 10-30 minutes. Washing should be repeated in the future, for which very weak acidic solutions can be used. 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

Fate confronts a person with this extremely dangerous gas more often than one would like. One of the most common reagents in the chemical industry, it penetrates into our everyday lives in the form of chlorinated water, bleaches and detergents, and disinfectants such as bleach (bleach). If acid accidentally enters the latter, a rapid release of chlorine begins in quantities sufficient to cause severe poisoning.

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

In everyday life, poisoning with very low concentrations of chlorine or chronic poisoning occurs due to constant contact with substances that release active chlorine. 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, gums become inflamed, teeth and nasal septum are destroyed, and gastrointestinal disorders occur.

Urgent Care. First of all, you need clean air, peace, and warmth. Immediate hospitalization for severe and moderate forms of poisoning. For irritation of the upper respiratory tract, inhalation of a sprayed 2% solution of sodium thiosulfate, soda or borax solutions. Eyes, nose and mouth should be washed with a 2% soda solution. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids - milk with Borjom or soda, coffee. For persistent painful cough, codeine or mustard plasters taken orally or intravenously. When the glottis is narrowed, warm alkaline inhalations, warming the neck area, and a subcutaneous 0.1% atropine solution are necessary.

In nature, there are a huge number of substances that, on the one hand, are dangerous to health, and on the other hand, help to cure various diseases. It all depends on their quantity and concentration. When exposed to poisons in sufficiently small quantities, some of them help to recover from the most dangerous diseases, without any pathologies or consequences.

The most powerful poison

Poisons are quite diverse: some kill a person instantly, while the effects of others are very slow, gradually leading to death for the body. Some even cause severe pain and terrible suffering. There are a huge variety of them; the article lists the most dangerous ones. So dangerous that it is difficult to even determine which poison is the strongest.

Cyanide

Hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives are a very dangerous substance for the human body. A very small amount of it can instantly kill a living organism. However, sugar can resist it; it is an antidote.

Anthrax poison

The bacteria that cause this life-threatening disease belong to the Bacillus anthracis family. They attack healthy cells, leading to their death. If a person has a skin form of the disease, then in 20% it leads to death. When affected by the intestinal form of anthrax, 50% of victims die. The pulmonary form leaves virtually no chance for the patient to survive; doctors manage to save only 5%.

Sarin

This substance was obtained as a result of attempts to synthesize pesticides. It is very dangerous; when it enters the body, a person experiences severe suffering, which ultimately leads to death. This poison was used as a chemical weapon for a long time, until its production was stopped in the 90s. But at present it is still used by terrorists and the military.

Amatoxins

These substances are contained in fly agaric mushrooms. A person may only feel symptoms after poison enters the body after 10 hours or even the next day. Amatoxins have a detrimental effect on all organs, so in most cases poisoning is fatal. If a person managed to survive, then for the rest of his life he will be tormented by pain that arises due to internal organs damaged by these substances.

Mercury

This poison penetrates all internal organs of a person. tends to accumulate, so with a small amount of it it very slowly poisons the body. When a person is poisoned by this substance, the normal activity of the nervous system is disrupted and severe mental disorder occurs.

Strychnine

It was discovered by chemists back in the 19th century. This toxic substance is obtained from chilibuha nuts. A large amount of it leads to severe poisoning. Subsequently, a slow death occurs, while the person suffers greatly and begins to have convulsions. If used in small quantities, strychnine is an excellent remedy for treating paralysis. Another useful property is that this substance speeds up metabolism.

Tetrodotoxin

This poison is found in a Japanese fish called fugu. Its content was also noted in the caviar and skin of animals that live in water in the tropical zone, and its presence was also recorded in the caviar of the Californian newt. Doctors are not always able to cure a person after ingesting this poison, and the mortality rate is high. However, most people still prefer to try this delicacy - fugu dishes. But even the most experienced chef is not immune to the fact that the fish he cooks will poison his visitors.

V-Ex

This poison is used by the military as a chemical weapon. It paralyzes the human body and also causes nervous breakdown. If a person inhales its vapors, or the substance gets on the skin, then painful death occurs in less than an hour.

Ricin

Obtained from plants. Its grains are very dangerous; if they enter the respiratory tract, they endanger human life. He dies if this substance enters the blood. Very powerful, stronger than even cyanide, and only due to technical problems it was not possible to use it as a chemical weapon of mass destruction. But still, this poison is used by the military and terrorists.

Botulism toxin

It is produced by bacterial cells Clostridium botulinum, which are very dangerous to human health and life. When exposed to them, the body develops botulism. This poison is widely used in medicine: it is added in small quantities to medications, and it is also widely used in operations in which Botox is used. Perhaps botulinum toxin is the most powerful poison for humans.

The poisons described in the article have a detrimental effect on the body, causing death in most cases. And if the victim is able to be saved from intoxication with these substances, then for the rest of his life he will experience various consequences and health problems.

People often think of poisons as a myth from Shakespeare's dramas, or ripped from the pages of Agatha Christie's novels. But in fact, poison can be found everywhere: in cute little bottles under the kitchen sink, in our drinking water, and even in our blood. Below are ten of the world's most under-the-radar poisons, some exotic, others frighteningly common.

10. Hydrogen Cyanide

Although cyanide carries a terrible stigma, its history is rich and fruitful. Some scientists even believe that cyanide may have been one of the chemicals that helped form life on earth. Today it is better known as the lethal substance, the active ingredient in Zyklon B, which the Nazis used to exterminate Jews in showers. Cyanide is a chemical used as capital punishment in the gas chambers of the United States. Those who have been in contact with the substance describe its odor as similar to that of sweet almonds. Cyanide kills by binding to the iron in our blood cells and destroying them, making them unable to carry oxygen throughout the body. Most states in the United States have stopped using the gas chamber, as this type of death penalty is considered unnecessarily cruel. Death can take several minutes and is often horrific to watch as the condemned convicts writhe in agony and salivate profusely as the body attempts to prevent death.

9. Hydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric acid(Hydrofluoric Acid)


Hydrofluoric acid is used in a number of industries, such as metallurgy and even in the manufacture of Teflon. There are much more powerful acids in the world than hydrofluoric acid, but few of them are as dangerous to humans. In gaseous form it can easily burn out the eyes and lungs, but in liquid form it is especially insidious. Initially, when it comes into contact with human skin, it is completely imperceptible. Due to the fact that it does not cause pain upon contact, people can become seriously poisoned without noticing it. It penetrates the skin into the bloodstream, where it reacts with calcium in the body. In the worst cases, it seeps through the tissue and destroys the bone underneath.

8. Batrachotoxin


Fortunately for most of us, our chance of encountering batrachotoxin is incredibly small. Batrachotoxin is one of the most potent neurotoxins in the world and is found in the skin of tiny dart frogs. Frogs do not produce the poison themselves, it is produced in their bodies by the food they eat, most likely from eating tiny bugs. There are several different versions of the poison depending on the type of frog, the most dangerous is the type of batrachotoxin produced by the Colombian frog called the terrible leaf creeper. This frog is so tiny that it can fit on the tip of your finger, but the poison on the skin of one frog is enough to kill about two dozen people, or a couple of elephants. The toxin attacks nerves, opening their sodium channels and causing paralysis, essentially shutting down the entire body's ability to communicate with itself. There is no antidote in the world, and death occurs very quickly.

7. VX Nerve Gas


Banned from use by the Chemical Weapons Convention (global supplies of this gas are gradually decreasing), VX nerve gas is considered the most powerful nerve gas in the world. The danger of this gas, discovered completely by accident in 1952 during chemical testing of organophosphates, was quickly discovered. Marketed as a pesticide under the name "Amiton", it was soon withdrawn due to its being too dangerous to society. It soon came to the attention of world governments as it was a time of political turmoil in the Cold War, and the gas was stockpiled for potential use in war. Luckily, no one started a war and the VX was never used in combat. A cultist from the Japanese group Aum Shinriyko stole some of this gas and used it to kill a man - the only known human death caused by VX gas. The gas stops the production of enzymes in the nerves, causing the nerves to be in a constant state of activity, creating a “storm” in the nervous system that quickly overloads and destroys the body.

6. Agent Orange


Almost everyone has heard of the defoliant Agent Orange, created by Dow Chemical and Monsanto (which are considered the most evil corporations in the world). Agent Orange was used during the Vietnam War to eradicate trees that provided cover for enemy soldiers and to destroy crops in rural areas. Unfortunately, in addition to being a plant-killing agent, the herbicides contained a chemical dioxin called TCDD (tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin), a known carcinogen that causes a significant increase in the risk of cancer, especially lymphoma, in those exposed to it. In addition, tens of thousands of Vietnamese children were born stillborn or with birth defects such as cleft palate, extra fingers and toes, and mental retardation. Vietnam remains very polluted to this day.

5. Ricin


Derived from the castor bean plant, ricin is one of the deadliest poisons. A small dose, comparable to a few grains of salt, is enough to kill an adult. The venom stops the production of proteins that the body needs to survive, causing victims to go into shock. Because of its simple production process, ricin has been weaponized by many governments around the world, and was used at least once for murder, when Bulgarian dissident writer Georgi Markov was shot with ricin pellets on a London street in 1978. It is believed that the Bulgarian secret police and/or the KGB were responsible for the murder.

4. Arsenic


The metalloid arsenic has been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, from weapons production to cosmetics during the Victorian era (when sickly pallor was considered a fashion statement among women). During the Dark Ages, arsenic became a popular poison for assassins due to its effect - arsenic poisoning has symptoms similar to cholera, which was widespread during those times. Arsenic attacks adenosine triphosphatases in human cells, cutting off the flow of energy. Arsenic is a very unpleasant substance that, in strong concentrations, can cause various types of gastrointestinal disorders with bleeding, convulsions, coma and death. In small amounts taken on a regular basis (for example, through arsenic-contaminated water), arsenic has been linked to a number of diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

3. Lead


Lead is one of the very first metals used by man. Its first smelting was made 8,000 years ago. However, its dangerous effects on the body became known only a few decades ago - lead affects every organ in the human body, so lead poisoning manifests itself through a range of symptoms, from diarrhea to mental retardation. Children are especially at risk of poisoning; fetal exposure to lead causes pathological neurological disorders. Strangest of all, many criminologists believe that the widespread decline in violent crime is at least partly the result of increased restrictions on the use of lead. Children born after 1980 were much less likely to be exposed to lead and, as a result, were less likely to become violent.

2. Brodifacoum


Immediately after the end of World War II, the poison warfarin began to be used as a rodenticide (and interestingly enough, it was also used as an anticoagulant for people with bleeding disorders). But rats are known for their ability to survive at all costs, and over time, many of them have become resistant to warfarin. Therefore, it was replaced by brodifacoum. An extremely lethal anticoagulant, brodifacoum reduces the amount of vitamin K in the blood. Due to the fact that vitamin K is necessary for the blood clotting process, the body over time is subject to severe internal bleeding as blood spreads throughout the body from the rupture of tiny capillaries. Brodifacoum, which is sold under brands such as Havoc, Talon, and Jaguar, must be handled with great care because it penetrates the skin easily and remains in the body for many months.

1. Strychnine


Derived primarily from a tree called chilibuha, which is native to India and southeast Asia, strychnine is an alkaloid substance and is used as a pesticide, especially in rodent control. Death caused by strychnine poisoning is terribly painful. As a neurotoxin, strychnine attacks the spinal nerves, causing seizures and violent muscle contractions. Oskar Dirlewanger, a Nazi SS commander during World War II, injected his prisoners with strychnine and amused himself by watching them writhe. Strychnine is one of the few substances on this list that is both cheap and available on the market. It's possible that strychnine is sold at your local hardware store under a name like "Rodent Killer" or something similar.