<unk>  is poisoning that is due to<unk>  and its compounds, which are often highly toxic. Contact with skin is dangerous and adequate ventilation should be provided when melting this metal. Many<unk>  compounds are highly soluble in water and are readily absorbed through the skin. Exposure to them should not exceed 0.1 mg per m2 of skin in an 8 hour time-weighted average (40- hour working week).<unk>  is a suspected human carcinogen. Part of the reason for<unk> 's high toxicity is that when present in aqueous solution as the univalent<unk> (I) ion (Tl+) it exhibits some similarities with essential alkali metal cations, particularly potassium (owing to similar ionic radii). It can thus enter the body via potassium uptake pathways. Other aspects of<unk> 's chemistry differ strongly from that of the alkali metals, such as its high affinity for sulfur ligands. Thus this substitution disrupts many cellular processes by interfering with the function of proteins that incorporate cysteine, an amino acid containing sulfur.<unk> 's toxicity has led to its use (now discontinued in many countries) as a rat and ant poison. Among the distinctive effects of<unk>  are peripheral nerve damage (victims may experience a sensation of “walking on hot coals”) and hair loss (which led to its initial use as a depilatory before its toxicity was properly appreciated). However hair-loss generally occurs only with low doses; with high doses the<unk>  kills before hair loss can occur.<unk>  was an effective murder weapon before its effects became understood and an antidote (Prussian blue) discovered. It has been called the "poisoner's poison" since it is colorless, odorless and tasteless; its slow-acting, painful and wide-ranging symptoms are often suggestive of a host of other illnesses and conditions.
Thallium poisoning
Salicylate poisoning
Mercury poisoning
Aluminium phosphide poisoning
Sulfuric acid poisoning
Cobalt poisoning
Tin poisoning
Organophosphate poisoning