The most powerful poisons in nature and the most poisonous animals. (12 photos)
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 for 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 attracted the attention of world governments as it was a time of political turmoil in the Cold War, and the gas began to be 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
Arsenic metalloid 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 developed resistance 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, sold under brands such as Havoc, Talon, and Jaguar, must be handled with great care because it penetrates easily into the skin 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.
Poisonous substances lie in wait for us everywhere. Some of them have an almost immediate effect, while others can act slowly. The degree of intoxication in each specific case is different. It depends on the characteristics of the body and the amount of poison that has entered the body. Therefore, determining the most powerful poison in the world is problematic. Nevertheless, we can highlight a list of toxic substances that pose the greatest danger.
The most powerful poisonous chemicals
Potent poisons have been synthesized by scientists for military purposes. But sometimes toxic substances can be found in everyday conditions. Among the most dangerous of them are:
- Mercury. It is contained in ordinary thermometers. If the integrity of the flask is not compromised, then mercury does not pose any health hazard. Mercury vapor from a broken thermometer can cause irreparable harm. The evaporation process begins even at room temperature. It is prohibited to collect spilled mercury yourself. You must immediately seek help from a specialized service.
- Methanol. This substance is often confused with food grade ethyl alcohol, which leads to serious poisoning. Methanol is colorless and odorless, so it is impossible to identify it without laboratory testing. Consumption of even a small amount of this substance can be fatal. a person loses his sight.
- Potassium cyanide. This is the most powerful poison for humans. It is widely used in plastic products, photography, gold mining and some other fields. Poisoning occurs even from inhaling cyanide vapor. In the shortest possible time, respiratory failure develops and convulsions appear. In case of severe intoxication, death occurs.
- Sarin. This is a substance that was synthesized by German scientists. They pursued the goal of creating the world's strongest pesticide. The resulting gas has gained fame as a poison that causes a long and painful death. Today, the deadly poison sarin is officially banned, but terrorists are trying to use it as a chemical weapon.
- Arsenic. This element of the periodic table has long been used as a poison. Many political figures were poisoned with it. Symptoms of poisoning are similar to cholera. First of all, cramps and severe pain appear in the abdominal area. After large amounts of arsenic enter the body, heart disease, diabetes or cancer develop.
These substances are extremely dangerous for humans. Therefore, their features must be remembered.
The most dangerous poisons for humans are also found in plants. Such poisonings often await inexperienced mushroom pickers and other flora lovers. The following substances deserve special attention:
- Amatoxin is the most powerful protein poison. It is found in some mushrooms, including toadstool. Once in the human body, the toxin immediately begins to destroy internal organs. The first signs of intoxication may appear only after a few days. In this case, valuable time to save a person is lost, and doctors cannot guarantee a favorable prognosis. Even if the patient’s life can be saved, his health will be severely compromised. Most likely, a person will suffer from kidney or liver failure and problems with the respiratory system all his life. People often wonder what is more toxic: toadstool or potassium cyanide. In fact, these poisons can be placed on the same level in terms of toxicity.
- Strychnine. This poison is found in the nuts of the chilibuha tree. In microscopic dosages it is used for medical purposes. If the permissible amount is exceeded, death occurs, but before this the person experiences severe suffering.
- Ricin. Contained in castor beans. Inhalation of small grains of this substance is dangerous. Its poisoning ability is several times greater than that of potassium cyanide. Human death occurs if ricin is injected directly into the blood.
- Curare. It is a poison that is produced from a mixture of plants in South America. Its main component is an alkaloid, which, when ingested, leads to paralysis and cardiac arrest. Death from curare is painful.
To avoid poisoning from such poisons, never eat unknown plants. Teach children about safety precautions when traveling outdoors.
If you notice the first symptoms of poisoning, consult a doctor immediately. Chances of salvation remain only if the problem is identified in a timely manner.
Animal poisons
Poison can kill a person instantly. Such toxic substances are often carried by animals. Among them are:
- Toads chirp. The skin of these amphibians secretes chiriquitotoxin. This neurotoxin has a toxic effect on the human nervous system. After intoxication, a person experiences severe convulsions, coordination of movements is impaired, and complete paralysis of the limbs may develop. The poison has a strong effect when administered intramuscularly.
- Puffer fish. The milk, caviar and liver of this fish contain tetrodotoxin. This substance causes severe poisoning, which is accompanied by severe itching, drooling, convulsions, and difficulty swallowing. The poison is fast, so paralysis of the respiratory system develops in the shortest possible time and a person’s death occurs.
- Australian Taipan. The venom of this snake contains thaipotoxin. Its entry into the human blood leads to paralysis of the respiratory muscles and impaired blood clotting. This kind of snake venom is the most poisonous. In terms of poisoning ability, it is several times greater than cobra venom.
- Karakurt. During the bite, the spider injects alpha-latrotoxin into the victim's blood. It leads to severe pain that spreads throughout the body in a matter of minutes. At the same time, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, increased heart rate, and bouts of vomiting occur.
- Central Asian cobra. This snake's saliva contains a powerful neurotoxin. Its entry into the human blood provokes convulsions, breathing problems, and paralysis. If left untreated, death occurs. Such poisonings are rare, since the cobra attacks a person only in exceptional cases.
Poison can be contained in the biological material of any animal. Therefore, it is best to minimize contact with it, especially for wild fauna.
If you are bitten by a poisonous snake or spider, try to immediately suck the poison out of the wound. Remember that this can only be done if there is no damage to the oral cavity. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
Bacteriological poisoning
Not only animals and plants, but also bacteria can pose a danger to humans. Their vital activity in the human body leads to the formation of strong toxins. Among them, the following can be particularly highlighted:
- Botulinum toxin. It is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Its vital activity leads to the development of botulism in humans. This is a disease that can only be treated in the earliest stages. In other cases, the probability of death is extremely high. The bacterium multiplies quickly in the absence of oxygen, so poor quality canned food often becomes a source of poisoning.
- Anthrax bacillus. Its entry into the body leads to the development of anthrax. This disease develops rapidly. There are cutaneous and intestinal forms. In the first case, death occurs in 20% of cases. With the intestinal form of the disease, no more than 5% of victims can be saved.
- Tetanus toxin. This substance is produced by rods of the genus Clostridium. Infection most often occurs through open wounds on the body. Infection manifests itself in the form of convulsions, impaired swallowing reflex, damage to the respiratory center and cardiovascular system. The likelihood of death is extremely high.
Determining the fastest-acting poison is quite difficult. Everything will depend on a combination of many factors. Try to avoid contact with hazardous substances as little as possible. If infection does occur, do not try to cure it yourself. Only timely seeking medical help will save your life.
There are a sufficient number of natural and artificially produced poisons in the world. The effects of all toxic substances are different. Some can instantly take life, while others destroy the body gradually, forcing a person to suffer for a long time. There are potent substances that in small doses poison a person asymptomatically, but there are also the most dangerous poisons that cause severe pain, which even in small quantities can be fatal.
Chemical compounds and gases
Cyanide
Hydrocyanic acid salts are an extremely dangerous poison. Many lives have been taken using this potent substance. On the battlefield, they poisoned the enemy with cyanide, spraying poison that instantly killed soldiers, getting on the mucous membranes and affecting the respiratory system. Currently, cyanide is used in analytical chemistry, in the mining of gold and silver, in electrochemistry, and in organic synthesis.
One of the salts of hydrocyanic acid, the potassium salt, known as potassium cyanide, is a powerful inorganic poison. It looks like granulated sugar, and can easily be classified as an instant poison. Entering the human body through the gastrointestinal tract, death occurs instantly; only 1.7 mg per 1 kg of weight is enough. Potassium cyanide prevents oxygen from entering tissues and cells, resulting in death from oxygen starvation. Antidotes for this poison are compounds containing hydrocarbons, sulfur and ammonia. Glucose is considered the strongest anticyanide, so in case of poisoning, its solution is administered intravenously to the victim.
Apparently, in order to avoid prolonged death throes, this poison was chosen by some famous Nazis to commit suicide, since it acts instantly. According to one version, Adolf Hitler himself was among them.
The vapors of this poisonous element are extremely toxic and insidious, because they have no odor. Mercury affects the body through the lungs, kidneys, skin and mucous membranes. Soluble compounds of this substance are more dangerous than pure metal, but it tends to gradually evaporate and poison a person.
It is especially harmful for the population when mercury compounds enter a body of water. In the aquatic environment, the metal is converted into methylmercury, and then this powerful organic poison accumulates in the organisms of the inhabitants of the reservoir. If people use this water for domestic needs and go fishing in such places, then this is fraught with mass poisoning. Regular inhalation of mercury vapor is a slow-acting poison. Toxins accumulate in the body, which leads to nervous disorders, up to the onset of schizophrenia or complete insanity.
Exposure of a pregnant woman to mercury can lead to irreversible consequences, as it spreads quickly through the blood and easily penetrates the placenta. Even a seemingly harmless broken thermometer, which contains a small amount of this potent toxic substance, can provoke the development of defects in a child inside the womb.
Sarin
The extremely poisonous sarin gas, which was developed by two German scientists, kills a person in one minute. It was used as a chemical weapon in World War II and the Civil Wars, after which both the United States and the Soviet Union began producing sarin and stockpiling it in case of war. Following an experimental incident that resulted in death, production of this poison was discontinued. Nevertheless, Japanese terrorists managed to obtain this poison in the mid-nineties - the terrorist attack on the Tokyo subway, during which about 6,000 people were poisoned with sarin, received wide attention.
Sarin affects the body both through the skin and through the respiratory system, affecting the nervous system. Severe intoxication is observed due to ingestion of this substance by inhalation. This nerve gas kills a person quickly, but at the same time brings hellish torment. First of all, the gas affects the mucous membranes, a person begins to have a runny nose and blurred eyes, then vomiting and severe pain behind the sternum appear, and the last stage is death from suffocation.
Ingestion of this poison in large quantities is fatal. It is a fine white powder that can be purchased even at a pharmacy with a prescription. With constant poisoning in small doses, arsenic can provoke the occurrence of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This poison is often used in dentistry - arsenic is used to destroy the inflamed dental nerve.
Formaldehyde and phenols
Literally everyone has encountered these household poisons that are dangerous to humans.
Phenols are contained in varnishes and paints, without which no cosmetic repair can be done. Formaldehyde can be found in plastics, fiberboard and chipboard.
With prolonged inhalation of these potent toxic substances, breathing is impaired, various types of allergic reactions, dizziness and nausea appear. Constant contact with these poisons can result in malfunctions of the reproductive system, and with severe intoxication, a person can die from swelling of the larynx.
Poisons of plant and animal origin
Amatoxin
Amatoxin is a poison that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The source of poisoning is some types of mushrooms, for example, toadstool and white toadstool. Even in acute poisoning, amatoxin has a slow effect on an adult, which makes it possible to classify this potent substance as a delayed-action poison. In case of poisoning, severe vomiting, pain in the stomach and intestines, and continuous bloody diarrhea are observed. On the second day, the victim’s liver enlarges and the kidneys fail, after which coma and death occur.
A positive prognosis is observed with timely treatment. Despite the fact that amatoxin, like all slow-acting poisons, causes irreparable harm gradually, there have also been lightning deaths, mainly among children.
Batrachotoxin is a powerful poison that belongs to the alkaloid family. It is almost impossible to meet him in everyday life. It is secreted through the glands of frogs of the genus leafhopper. This substance, like other instant poisons, instantly affects the nervous system, causes heart failure and leads to death.
Ricin
This plant poison is six times more toxic than the instant killer cyanide. One pinch is enough to kill an adult.
Ricin was actively used as a weapon in war; with its help, intelligence services got rid of individuals posing a threat to the state. They learned about it quickly enough, since lethal doses of this potent substance were deliberately sent to recipients along with letters.
Bacillus anthrax
This is the causative agent of an infectious disease that poses a huge danger to domestic animals and humans. Anthrax is very acute and, as a rule, the infected person dies. The incubation period lasts up to four days. Infection most often occurs through damaged areas of the skin, and less often through the respiratory tract.
With the pulmonary form of infection, the prognosis is unfavorable and mortality rates reach 95%. Most often, the bacillus is localized in certain areas of the skin, so anthrax is one of the most dangerous contact poisons, fatal to humans. With adequate and timely treatment, a person is on the path to recovery. The infection can affect the intestines and affect internal organs, leading to sepsis. Another severe form, which is cured only in very rare cases, is anthrax meningitis.
Despite the fact that mass infection with this poison in everyday life, fortunately, has not been observed for a long time, cases of this terrible disease are still being recorded in Russia.
The Sanitary and Epidemiological Service regularly conducts veterinary surveillance on the territory of pig farms and agricultural enterprises that keep cattle.
You should not assume that potent toxic substances are only the hard-to-reach poisons listed above. Any chemical in large quantities can be a deadly poison for humans in everyday life. This includes chlorine, which is used for disinfection, and various detergents, and even vinegar essence. To be wary of toxic substances, to take precautions when handling them and to hide them from children is the strict responsibility of every conscious adult.
There are many toxic substances. Some of them affect the human body for a long time, others kill instantly. There are many fast-acting poisons, they can be natural and chemical.
Such compounds deprive their victim of the opportunity to survive almost immediately. What is the fastest-acting poison for humans, the most famous and dangerous?
Top strong poisons in everyday life
In everyday life, people constantly encounter poisons. Many of them have a quick effect on the body, so it is recommended to know their effect and how to provide first aid to an injured person.
Acids
Anthrax
Serious disease is caused by specific bacteria. There are several forms of the disease, the simplest is skin lesions. The most dangerous form of the disease is considered to be pulmonary; even with timely assistance, only five percent of victims survive.
Sarin
A poisonous substance in the form of a gas. It was created to kill insects, but found its application in the military sphere. The compound kills quickly, but death is painful. Production is prohibited throughout the world; its reserves are often used for military purposes or by terrorists.
Amatoxins
Such poisons have a protein structure and are found in dangerous mushrooms of the Amanitaceae family. The danger lies in the fact that the first signs appear ten hours after the toxin enters the body, during which time the possibility of saving a person approaches zero. Even with a successful rescue attempt, the victim remains disabled for life and suffers from problems with internal organs.
Strychnine
Obtained from the nuts of a tropical plant. It is used in minimal quantities as a medicine. Strychnine is one of the fastest-acting poisons, superior to potassium cyanide. But death does not occur immediately, but half an hour after poisoning.
Ricin
Ricin is a poison of plant origin. Six times stronger than potassium cyanide. It is especially dangerous if it gets into the blood; in such a case, death occurs very quickly. Inhalation through the lungs is less dangerous, but also leads to serious poisoning.
VX
The compound is a combat poison and has a nerve-paralytic effect. Changes in the body occur a minute after inhalation, and death occurs after fifteen minutes. Dangerous poison is prohibited for use in the world.
Botulinum toxin
Botulism is poisoning caused by botulinum toxins. This is the most powerful poison in nature and was previously used as a biological weapon. Bacteria are used in cosmetology, but in minimal dosages. As the amount of toxin increases, death occurs from respiratory failure.
Top strong poisons in the pharmacy
Medicines are dangerous to humans if used incorrectly. They are also poisons and in overdose lead to poisoning
A fatal outcome cannot be ruled out if the permissible amount of the drug is exceeded many times. Many medications are freely available in pharmacies.
Dangerous:
- Medicines aimed at treating the cardiovascular system.
- Neuroleptics and tranquilizers.
- Painkillers.
- Antibiotics and antibacterial agents.
Weight loss drugs, drugs aimed at treating impotence, even eye drops can be dangerous to human health. You need to remember that in a minimal amount the medicine will help, but in a higher dosage it will lead to poisoning and death.
Dangerous poisons for animals
Animals suffer from poisoning no less often than people. What poisons are dangerous for dogs and cats?
Danger:
- Human medicines. Even small amounts of some drugs can cause serious poisoning or death. Example - a medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis - used by dog hunters.
- Products for getting rid of fleas and ticks. Animals die from an overdose of such drugs.
- Food. You should not give your pets food from the table, simple grapes lead to kidney failure, xylitol provokes a sharp drop in sugar levels and disruption of the liver.
- Rat poison. Rat poison often causes death in domestic animals. Rodent bait has a pleasant smell, so it attracts other animals. Without help, the pet dies very quickly.
- Medicines for animals. Medicines intended for treatment, if taken in the wrong dosage, can cause death.
- House plants. Cats and dogs love to bite some plants; many of them contain poisonous sap that is hazardous to health.
- Chemicals, household chemicals. Such products located in accessible places often attract the attention of animals. Poisoning develops quickly, as does death.
- Fertilizers and pesticides. Such compounds are suitable for plants, but dangerous for animals.
Thus, there are no less dangers and poisons for animals than for humans. It is recommended to carefully monitor the animal’s behavior in order to provide first aid in a timely manner.
Irritation, a feeling of sand in the eyes, redness are just minor inconveniences with impaired vision. Scientists have proven that decreased vision in 92% of cases ends in blindness.
Crystal Eyes is the best remedy for restoring vision at any age.
Precautions
It is possible to avoid serious intoxication by following safety precautions. When working with poisons, you must wear special protective clothing and gloves. It is recommended to use safety glasses and respirators.
Under no circumstances should you eat or touch your face or exposed skin with your hands while working. After completing all manipulations, wash your hands thoroughly, take a shower if necessary, and put your clothes in the wash.
Before using unknown compounds, you must read the instructions and follow them carefully. Eating unknown foods is not recommended.
What to do if you are poisoned
If poisoning occurs, you must call a doctor immediately. Before his arrival, the victim is provided with possible first aid.
Actions:
- rinse the stomach, if allowed;
- give to a person;
- use laxatives or cleansing enemas;
- administer antidotes whenever possible;
- provide fresh air, peace;
- quickly transported to a medical facility.
Fast-acting poisons are present near a person, but if safety precautions are followed, poisoning can be avoided. If signs of intoxication appear, first aid is quickly provided and doctors are called.
Video: quick poisons for humans
Any toxic substances, be they chemical or plant, pose a serious danger to the body. Science knows dozens and hundreds of the most powerful poisons, many of which are used by man himself, and not for good deeds - this includes terrorism, genocide, and much more. But there were also times when poisons were considered medicines. One way or another, toxic substances are still undergoing active research in laboratories. What is the most powerful poison in the world?
Cyanide
Cyanides are a class of harmful, potent substances that are dangerous to humans. Their toxicity is explained by their immediate effect on the respiratory functions of cells, which, in turn, stops the work of the entire body. Cells stop functioning, organs fail. All this leads to a very serious condition, fraught with death. Cyanide itself is a derivative of hydrocyanic acid.
Externally, cyanide is a white powder with a crystalline structure. It is quite unstable and dissolves well in water. We are talking about the most famous type - potassium cyanide, and there is also sodium cyanide, which is also quite toxic. The poison is obtained not only in the laboratory, but also extracted from plants. It is important to know that some foods may contain this substance in small quantities. Almonds and fruit seeds are dangerous. But the poisoning is cumulative.
Cyanide is often used in industrial production - in particular, the production of paper, some fabrics, plastics, as well as in reagents for photo development. In metallurgy, cyanide is used to purify metals from impurities; and in grain storage facilities rodents are destroyed using means based on this poison. The lethal dose of the most dangerous poison in the world is 0.1 mg/l, and death occurs within an hour. If the quantity is greater, then in ten minutes. First, the person loses consciousness, then stops breathing, and then the heart stops.
This substance was first isolated by the German chemist Bunsen, and in 1845 methods of production on an industrial scale were developed.
Anthrax spores
These substances are the causative agents of an extremely dangerous infectious disease, most often ending in death. People who come into contact with livestock are at risk of contracting Bacillus Anthracis. Spores can be stored in the soil of a cattle burial ground for a very long time.
The disease has been killing people for centuries, especially during the Middle Ages. And only in the 19th century Louis Pasteur managed to create a vaccine against it. He studied the resistance of animals to poisons by injecting them with a weakened strain of ulcer, which resulted in the development of immunity. In 2010, US scientists created an even more effective vaccine against the disease.
Anthrax spores are found in all secretions of a sick animal, ending up with them in water and soil. Thus, they can spread hundreds of kilometers from the source of infection. In African countries, insects that drink blood can also become infected with poison. Incubation ranges from several hours to seven days. The poison causes irreparable damage to blood vessels, causing swelling, loss of sensitivity, and inflammation. Carbuncles begin to appear on the skin; It is especially dangerous if they occur on the face. Subsequently, a host of other unpleasant symptoms may occur, from diarrhea to bloody vomiting. Often the patient will die at the end.
The disease caused by anthrax spores develops extremely quickly and causes terrible external and internal damage.
Many residents of Russia remember this name from school life lessons. One of the most toxic substances on Earth since 1991 has been classified as a weapon of mass destruction. And it was discovered in 1938 by a chemical company in Germany and from the very beginning was intended for military purposes.
Under normal conditions, sarin is an odorless liquid that evaporates quickly. Since it cannot be smelled, poisoning can only be known when symptoms appear.
Moreover, poisoning occurs through inhalation of steam, and through contact with skin or entry into the oral cavity.
Sarin binds certain enzymes, in particular protein, as a result of which it can no longer support nerve fibers.
Mild poisoning results in shortness of breath and weakness. In moderate cases, constriction of the pupils, lacrimation, severe headache, nausea, and trembling of the limbs occurs. If timely assistance is not provided, death occurs in 100% of cases, but even if assistance is provided, every second poisoned person dies. Severe degree is characterized by the same symptoms as moderate, but they are more pronounced and progress faster. Vomiting begins, spontaneous excretion of feces and urine, and an incredible headache appears. A minute later the person faints, and five minutes later he dies from damage to the respiratory center.
Sarin was not used in World War II due to Hitler's prejudice against poisonous gases.
Amatoxin
This is the most powerful venom that is independently produced in nature, it is more powerful than the venom of any snake. It is mainly found in white toadstools and when ingested, it affects the kidneys and liver, and then gradually kills all cells over the course of several days.
The poison is very insidious: the first symptoms appear only after 12 hours, and sometimes up to a day. Of course, it’s already too late to do gastric lavage; you need to call an ambulance. Within two days, traces of amatoxin can be detected in a urine test. Activated charcoal and the drug cephalosporin can also help the patient, and in particularly difficult cases it is necessary to resort to a liver transplant. But even after recovery, the patient may suffer from heart, kidney and liver failure for a long time.
A large dose of penicillin is used as an antidote; if it is not introduced, then a person dies on average within a week
This is a poison of plant origin, most often used in baiting small rodents. It has been produced in the laboratory since 1818, extracting it from the seeds of the African chilibuha plant. Strychnine is mentioned in many detective novels, where characters die from exposure to this substance. One of the properties of strychnine is also played out: at the very beginning, it causes a sharp and powerful surge of strength by blocking some neurotransmitters.
The substance is used in the production of medicines, but drugs containing strychnine nitrate are prescribed only in the most extreme cases. Indirect indications for use may be neurological diseases in which nerve impulses are inhibited; poor appetite; impotence; severe forms of alcoholism that cannot be cured by other methods.
Symptoms of poisoning with this poison are similar to the primary symptoms of tetanus. These include difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, fear of light and convulsions.
A dose of 1 milligram per 1 kilogram of body weight is fatal.
The first information about mercury has reached us from the depths of time; it is mentioned in documents dating back to 350 BC, and archaeological excavations have also found more ancient traces. The metal was widely used and continues to be used in medicine, art, and industry. Its vapors are extremely toxic, and poisoning can be either immediate or cumulative. First of all, harm is done to the nervous system, and then to other systems of the body.
The initial symptoms of mercury poisoning are trembling of the fingers and eyelids, and later - of all parts of the body. Then there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, insomnia, headache, vomiting, and memory impairment. In case of poisoning by vapors, rather than mercury compounds, damage to the respiratory tract is initially noticed. If exposure to the substance is not stopped promptly, it can be fatal.
The effects of mercury poisoning can be inherited
Most often, a person encounters mercury from a thermometer, especially if it breaks. But not everyone knows exactly how to act in this situation. First you need to quickly collect all the parts of the thermometer and the mercury balls. This must be done as carefully as possible, because the remaining particles can cause irreparable harm to residents, especially children and animals. This is done with rubber gloves. In hard-to-reach places, you can collect mercury using a syringe or patch. Place everything collected in a tightly closed container.
The next step is a thorough cleaning of the room, also done with gloves (already new) and a medical mask. A highly concentrated solution of potassium permanganate is suitable for processing. Wipe absolutely all surfaces in the house with this solution using a rag. Fill any gaps, cracks and other depressions with mortar. It is advisable to leave everything in this form for at least a day. For the next few days, ventilate the room daily.
You can call specialists who will make sure that there is no mercury or its vapor in the house if the thermometer breaks
Tetrodotoxin
The most effective defense mechanisms that nature has endowed living beings with are neurotoxins. These are substances that specifically damage the nervous system. Tetrodotoxin is perhaps the most dangerous and unusual of them. It is found in a variety of both terrestrial and aquatic animals. The substance tightly blocks the channels of nerve cells, which causes muscle paralysis.
The most common source of poisoning in Japan was eating fugu fish. It is surprising that today this fish is still used in cooking and is considered a delicacy - however, you need to know which parts to eat and in what season to catch the fish. Poisoning occurs extremely quickly, in some cases within six hours. It begins with a slight tingling of the lips and tongue, followed by vomiting and weakness, after which the patient falls into a coma. Effective emergency assistance measures have not yet been developed. Only artificial respiration can prolong life, because before death, breathing first stops, and only after a while does the heart stop beating.
Tetrodotoxin has been studied for many years, but not all details about it have yet been discovered.
The poisons described above have an extremely harmful effect on animal organisms, so extreme care must be taken when handling them. It is better if professionals do this.