It is a strong poison. The most powerful poison

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. With this potent substance many lives were taken. 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 - 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 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, leading 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 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.

Getting this poison inside large quantities ends in death. It represents white powder fine fraction, which can be purchased even at a pharmacy, only with a prescription. With constant poisoning in small doses, arsenic can provoke the occurrence of diseases such as cancer and diabetes mellitus. 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, pale and white grebe. 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. 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, which leads 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. Fear toxic substances, taking precautions when handling them and hiding them from children is the strict responsibility of every conscious adult.

Trying to figure out which poison is the strongest in nature is doomed to failure - too many variables affect the results. However, if we take only one parameter - the average lethal dose, only one type of living beings - laboratory mice, only one route of administration - intramuscular, and evaluate not whole poisons, but their individual components, then some idea of the “ideal killers” can be obtained .

The average lethal dose, DL50 (lat. dosis letalis), causes the death of half of the experimental animals (DL100 is the dose minimally sufficient for all who received it). DL is measured in milligrams of a substance per 1 kg of animal body weight (mg/kg); in our rating it is indicated in parentheses after the name of the substance. So, the top 10 most toxic poisons with DL50 - for mice when administered intramuscularly.

Neurotoxin II (0.085 mg/kg)

Source: component of the poison of the Central Asian (Naja oxiana).

The venom of this snake is extremely strong. When bitten, it has a neurotoxic effect. After the bite, the victim is lethargic, but soon convulsions begin, breathing becomes more frequent and shallow. Death occurs after some time due to paralysis of the respiratory tract. Local manifestations (hematomas, tumors) do not occur with a Central Asian bite.

Despite the danger, this snake bites quite rarely, preferring to take a defensive pose when danger approaches, and hisses loudly, raising the front part of the body and spreading the front eight pairs of cervical ribs to the sides in such a way that the flattened neck expands in the form of a “hood”. Usually, this is enough to convince the enemy to retreat. Although, even if the enemy does not heed the warnings, this is not always followed by a bite. First, the cobra delivers a false bite - throwing the front part of the body sharply forward and hitting the enemy with its head. The mouth is closed during this blow. In this way, the snake protects its own from possible injury.

The Central Asian cobra, whose length reaches 1.5-1.6 m, is common in northwestern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and northeastern Iran. IN Central Asia this snake is found in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The northern border of the range is the Nura-Tau ridge and the Bel-Tau-Ata mountains, the western border is the spurs of the Turkestan ridge.

Antidote: it is recommended to administer Anticobra serum or polyvalent antisnake serum, use of anticholinesterase drugs in combination with atropine, corticosteroids, and antihypoxants. In case of deep breathing disorders, artificial ventilation of the lungs is necessary.

Alpha-latrotoxin (0.045 mg/kg)

Source: Contained in the venom of 31 species of spiders of the genus Latrodectus (karakurt).

A neurotoxin that causes the release of acetylcholine, norepinephrine and other mediators from presynaptic terminals, followed by depletion of their reserves.

At the moment of a bite, an immediate burning pain is most often felt (in some sources, the bite is painless), which spreads throughout the body within 15-30 minutes. Typically, patients complain of unbearable pain in the abdomen, lower back, and chest. Characterized by sharp abdominal muscles. Shortness of breath, palpitations, increased heart rate, dizziness, headache, tremor, vomiting, pallor or flushing of the face, sweating, a feeling of heaviness in the chest and epigastric areas, exophthalmos and dilated pupils. The face takes on a bluish tint. Priapism, bronchospasm, urinary and defecatory retention are also characteristic. Psychomotor agitation in the later stages of poisoning is replaced by deep depression, blackouts, and delirium. Known deaths in humans and farm animals. After 3-5 days, the skin becomes covered with a rash, and the victim’s condition improves somewhat. Recovery begins in 2-3 weeks, but for a long time he feels general weakness.

Karakurts (“black widows”) live in tropical, subtropical and even temperate latitudes on all continents except Antarctica. Only females are dangerous (their body size is up to 2 cm). Males are much smaller (0.5 cm) and are not able to bite through human skin. The toxicity of the poison has a pronounced seasonal dependence: the September one is about ten times more powerful than the May one.

Antidote: antikarakurt serum.

Alpha-conotoxin (0.012 mg/kg)

Source: component of the complex venom of the mollusk Conus geographus (geographic cone).

A neurotoxin that blocks H-cholinergic receptors in muscles and peripheral nerves.

Cones are very active when touched in their habitat. Their toxic apparatus consists of a poisonous gland connected by a duct to a hard proboscis by a radula-grater located at the wide end of the shell, with sharp spines that replace the mollusk’s teeth. If you take the shell in your hands, the mollusk instantly extends the radula and thrusts spines into the body. The injection is accompanied by acute pain leading to loss of consciousness, numbness of the fingers, strong heartbeat, shortness of breath, and sometimes paralysis. In the Pacific Islands, cases of shell collectors dying from cone stings have been recorded.

The cone shells are 15-20 cm long. Habitat is the eastern and northern coasts of Australia, east coast Southeast Asia and China and Central Pacific region.

Antidote: There is no antidote. The only measure is copious bloodletting from the injection site.

Chiriquitotoxin (0.01 mg/kg)

Source: Produced by the skin of the toad Atelopus chiriquiensis.

A structural analogue of tetrodotoxin - it differs only in the replacement of the CH2OH group with an as yet unidentified radical. Neurotoxin, blocks sodium and potassium channels in the membranes of nerve endings.

Causes impaired coordination of movements, convulsions, incomplete paralysis of the limbs.

Small (males - about 3 cm, females - 3.5-5 cm) toads with beautiful name Chiriquitas are found on the isthmus between North and South America - in Panama and Costa Rica. The species is endangered. The toxin is produced by the skin of the chirikit, and the toxicity, we recall, was assessed when administered intramuscularly.

Antidote

Tityutoxin (0.009 mg/kg)

Source: one of the venom components of the yellow fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus australis).

Neurotoxin slows down the inactivation of fast sodium channels of electrically excitable membranes, which leads to the development of persistent depolarization.

The venom of the yellow fat-tailed scorpion is produced in two enlarged glands located immediately behind the sting, which looks like a barb at the end of the tail. They are what give Scorpios the “fat” appearance. It also differs from other scorpions in the color of its sting - from dark brown to black. The venom of the fat-tailed scorpion is so toxic that it can even kill an adult human. It feeds mainly on small insects such as locusts or beetles, but can easily kill a small lizard or mouse. As soon as the victim stops resisting, the scorpion dismembers the body into small parts using sharp claws.

This type of scorpion is associated with up to 80% of all serious poisonings and up to 95% of deaths from scorpion injections.

Androctonus australis are medium-sized scorpions up to 10 cm long. They are not related to Australia: australis in Latin means “southern”, and androctonus in Greek means “murderer”. Found in the Middle East, north and southeast Africa (Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Iraq, Iran, etc.).

Antidote: antitoxic serum “Antiscorpion”. Antikarakurt serum can be used as a slightly less effective replacement.

Tetrodotoxin (0.008 mg/kg)

Source: produced and accumulated in the tissues of fish of the Tetraodontidae family, the mollusk BabyIonia japonica and the chirikit’s close relative, the toad Atelopus varius.

Neurotoxin, selectively blocks sodium channels in the membranes of nerve endings.

This is a dangerous poison that, once in digestive tract, causes severe pain, convulsions and usually leads to death.

Some species of the Tetraodontidae family (four-toothed, also known as rockfish, dogfish and pufferfish) reach a length of up to half a meter. Both these fish and the dish made from them are called “fugu” in Japan. The poison is contained in the liver, milk, caviar, intestines and skin, so only specially trained chefs are allowed to prepare fugu, who remove the poisonous organs using a separate method for each type. If pufferfish meat is prepared by ignorant amateurs, then in 60 cases out of 100, trying such a dish leads to death. And such cases are still not uncommon. According to a Japanese proverb, “he who eats fugu is a fool, but he who does not eat is also a fool.”
The habitat of puffer fish is from the northern coast of Australia to the northern coast of Japan and from the southern coast of China to the eastern islands of Oceania.

The mollusk Babylonia japonica has a very beautiful sink classic spiral shape 40-85 mm long. Habitat: the coast of the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan and Japan.

Toads Atelopus varius (Atelop variegated) are small, 2.5-4 cm, and if you are “lucky” you can stumble upon them only in the jungles of Panama and Costa Rica.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote; detoxification and symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Typoxin (typotoxin) (0.002 mg/kg)

Source: component of the poison itself poisonous snake on land - the Australian taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). Before the development of the antidote (1955), up to 90% of those bitten died.

A presynaptic toxin has phospholipase activity and causes a characteristic release of nerve impulse mediators (weakening of secretion, strengthening and, finally, its complete inhibition). Has neurotoxic and myotoxic effects.

Taipan is very aggressive. When in danger, it curls and vibrates the end of its tail. Snakes are most aggressive during the mating period and skin change, but this does not mean that at other times they are peaceful and docile.

Taipans reach a length of 2 to 3.6 m. They are distinguished by a very aggressive character, but, fortunately, they are found only in sparsely populated areas on the northeast coast of Australia and southern New Guinea.

Antidote: antitoxic taipan serum.

Batrachotoxin (0.002 mg/kg)

Source: skin secretion of leaf-climbing frogs of the genus Phyllobates.

It has a strong cardiotoxic effect, causing extrasystoles and fibrillation of the ventricles of the heart, paralyzing the respiratory muscles, myocardium and skeletal muscles. Persistently and irreversibly increases the permeability of the resting membrane for sodium ions and blocks axonal transport.

The poisonousness of these frogs is such that you can’t even touch them. The skin secretions of leafhoppers contain alkaloids-batrachotoxins, which, when ingested, cause arrhythmia, fibrillation and cardiac arrest.

Tree frogs do not exceed 5 cm in length and are usually brightly colored in gold, black-orange and black-yellow (warning coloration). If you get carried away South America from Nicaragua to Colombia - don't grab them with your hands.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote; detoxification and symptomatic therapy is carried out. A strong antagonist is tetrodotoxin - wedge by wedge...

Palytoxin (0.00015 mg/kg)

Source: contained in the rays of the six-rayed coral polyps Palythoa toxica, P. tuberculosa, P. сaribacorum.

Cytotoxic poison. Damages the sodium-potassium pump of cells, disrupting the gradient of ion concentrations between the cell and the intercellular environment. Causes pain in the chest, as with angina pectoris, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, hemolysis. Death occurs within the first few minutes after the injection into the polyp.

The body of these polyps - inhabitants of the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific oceans - consists not of eight, like ordinary corals, but of six or more than eight, the number of rays located on several corollas, usually a multiple of six.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote; symptomatic therapy is carried out. Animal studies suggest that simple vasodilators such as papaverine or isosorbide dinitrate may be effective.

Diamphotoxin (0.000025 Kmg/kg)

Source: the most powerful poison of animal origin on our planet, contained in the hemolymph (“blood”) of the larvae of the South African leaf beetle of the genus Diamphidia (D.Кlocusta, D.Кnigro-ornata, D.Кfemoralis), belonging to the same family with all known pests - Colorado potato beetle. Designed solely for protection from predators.

A single-chain polypeptide that opens all sodium-potassium channels in the cell membrane “for entry”, as a result of which the cell dies due to an imbalance in the intracellular electrolyte balance. It has a neurotoxic and especially pronounced hemolytic effect; in a short period of time it reduces the hemoglobin content in the blood by 75% due to the massive destruction of red blood cells. Bushmen still use crushed larvae of diamphidia: an arrow smeared with this liquid can knock down an adult 500-kilogram giraffe.

Adult beetles reach 10-12 mm in length. Females lay eggs on the branches of Commiphora plants. The larvae burrow into the ground, pupate and develop into a pupa over several years. Therefore, finding Diamphidia cocoons is not a problem for hunters.

Antidote: There is no specific antidote. Carry out detoxification and symptomatic therapy.

October 7th, 2009

If you want to be healthy, douse yourself, don’t touch this rubbish, or better yet, avoid it altogether...
The deadliest things on our planet.

Pale grebe- Destroying Angel. The first physical signs of poisoning are usually nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. After a feeling of slight discomfort, there is a sharp pain in the abdomen, severe vomiting, intense thirst, and cyanosis of the extremities, as well as yellowness of the eyes and skin as liver damage. The patient remains conscious almost until the end, with brief intervals of loss of consciousness, then coma and death.

Dog fish(Pufferfish). The poison tetraodontoxin is found in the ovaries of this fish and is not destroyed by heat treatment. In case of poisoning, speech is difficult and paralysis quickly develops respiratory system accompanied by paralysis of the central nervous system. The cause of death is most often convulsions or respiratory arrest, which occur within one to two hours after the poison enters the body.

Castor bean-Castor Beans. Signs of poisoning are bitterness in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, drowsiness, cyanosis, stupor, impaired microcirculation, blood in the urine, ultimately coma, and death; the toxic agent, even in low concentrations, causes the dissolution of red blood cells; in serious cases, hemorrhages develop throughout the body. Castor beans can also lead to premature birth in pregnant women. Autopsies of patients who have died from castor bean poisoning show that the vomit and stool contain blood.

Belladonna. All parts of the plant are deadly poisonous, especially its roots, leaves, and berries. The poison paralyzes the parasympathetic nervous system by blocking nerve endings.

Viper Venom. Snake venom affects the blood and nervous system, it is less poisonous when it enters the mouth than into the blood... The victim of a viper bite bleeds from the wound, has a fever and chills. Poisoning is accompanied by swelling or hemorrhages above the elbows or knees. These signs usually appear within two hours after the bite. Then fainting, bleeding from the nose and mouth, loss of vision, followed by loss of consciousness. Death caused by cardiorespiratory disorders is inevitable if an antidote is not administered in time.

Barbados nut or Physical nut. The threat lies in the deceptively pleasant taste of the seeds. However, make no mistake - each seed contains at least 55 percent of the active substance "Hell oil", which blocks protein synthesis in the intestinal wall and can lead to death.

Hemlock. Signs of poisoning are a gradual loss of coordination, accompanied by a fast and weakened pulse, pain in the muscles as they atrophy and eventually die. Although the mind remains clear, vision often deteriorates until the victim succumbs to pulmonary paralysis. It is believed that Socrates was poisoned with the juice of this plant, and not hemlock, as previously thought.

Cobra Venom has mainly neurotoxic effects. Its strength is enough to cause the death of a person after the first full bite. In such cases, the mortality rate may exceed 75 percent. However, taking into account all the behavioral features king cobra Overall, only 10 percent of bites are fatal to humans.

Datura. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids. If it enters the gastrointestinal tract, it affects the nervous system, causing cardiac dysfunction and paralysis.

Lily of the valley. Contains a cardiac glycoside in a fairly high concentration, in small doses it stimulates the work of a weakened heart muscle, but in case of an overdose it leads to arrhythmias and blockade of the electrical conductivity of the heart, necessary for its normal contractions. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Poisoning manifests itself as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headache pain and pain in the epigastric region. In severe cases, the rhythm and frequency of heart contractions are disturbed, and the pulse, as a rule, becomes rare. Sometimes the nervous system is also affected. This is evidenced by agitation, visual disturbances, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.

Aconite has neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects. Symptoms of poisoning are nausea, vomiting, numbness of the tongue, lips, cheeks, tips of fingers and toes, a crawling sensation, sensations of heat and cold in the extremities. Intoxication with aconite is characterized by a transient visual disturbance - the patient sees objects in green. There is also drooling, followed by dry mouth, thirst, headache, anxiety, convulsive twitching of the muscles of the face and limbs, and loss of consciousness. Breathing is rapid, shallow, and may suddenly stop.

Rhododendron. Contains glucoside substances - andromedotoxin, ericoline. Andromedotoxin has a local irritant and general narcotic effect, first stimulating and then depressing the central nervous system; greatly upsets the activity of the heart, in a peculiar way, like veratrine, it affects the muscle. Poisoning develops very quickly. Often, within a few hours of eating rhododendron leaves and branches, death occurs.

Tubocurarine chloride. White crystalline powder, in traumatology d-tubocurarine is sometimes used to relax muscles when repositioning fragments, reducing complex dislocations... Side effects from the use of tubocurarine are observed only in case of an overdose; in this case, the patient may develop respiratory failure due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles and, as a result, death.

Rhubarb. Rhubarb can only be eaten in early spring, until the air temperature rises above 15-17° C. Early spring in rhubarb, malic acid predominates, then its content increases, and with increasing temperature in hot weather Oxalic acid accumulates in the petioles, which is harmful to the body: it forms poorly excreted salts and removes calcium contained in the blood. Consumption of oxalic acid in an amount of 3-4 g at once is dangerous not only for children, but also for adults. In case of poisoning, vomiting, convulsions, and kidney failure may occur. In the first two days, death can occur from asphyxia, shock, or cardiovascular failure. In the next 2 weeks after poisoning, severe complications such as acute renal failure, repeated collapses, profuse bleeding, hemorrhagic pneumonia, and gastric perforation may occur, which can lead to death.

Gila monster- a large reptile, with a very beautiful black and orange pattern throughout the body. The Latin name for this beautiful lizard- Heloderma suspectum or poison tooth. There are grooves on the upper and lower jaws, into which the channels of highly developed poisonous glands approach. When biting, the teeth go deep into the victim's body. Venom tooth bites are very painful and act almost the same as snake bites. The venom is neurotoxic, meaning that when it bites, it paralyzes its victim. For small animals, the lizard's venom is fatal; in humans it usually causes very severe swelling, but can sometimes lead to death.

Croton oil- liquid obtained from the seeds of the Croton tiglium plant. It has a strong laxative effect and irritates the skin and mucous membranes. Even in small quantities (over 20 drops) it is life-threatening. Crotonal is toxic and mutagenic. When a person inhales its vapors, irritation of the mucous membrane, pharyngitis, cough, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and the onset of shock or unconsciousness occurs. Contact directly with the liquid results in severe skin redness, irritation, pain and burns. When poison gets inside, the whole body is poisoned, the central nervous system is damaged, and tumors form. In case of tactile contact, skin scarring occurs.

Digitalis. Nowadays, digitalis purpurea is used to produce medicines that stimulate work. cardiovascular system. Active biological substances from digitalis tend to accumulate in the body and can be harmful or even fatal to a person with a healthy heart. The grass and rhizomes of foxglove are saturated with the toxin digitalin. Poisoning is accompanied by irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, the pulse becomes rapid and arrhythmic, and general weakness and shortness of breath are observed. Convulsions may develop before death.

Codeine is an almost clear, odorless substance with a rather bitter taste, which is available in either powder or liquid form. When used in high doses, like other opiates, it can cause euphoria. Often when taking large quantity Tablets of some codeine-containing medications may cause serious poisoning. Due to the fact that with regular use of codeine, an addictive phenomenon is observed (similar to addiction to heroin and other drugs of the opiate group), it is released with the same restrictions as other narcotic analgesics. In case of severe codeine poisoning, breathing disorders are possible, up to paralysis with preserved consciousness, as well as a significant fall blood pressure.

Poisonous octopus(blue ringed octopus). Its venom, which belongs to the group of neurotoxins, is so powerful that it can kill an adult, especially if the octopus bites in the neck or in the area close to the spine. There is simply no vaccine for its poison

Dimethyl sulfate. Used in the manufacture of paints, drugs, perfumes and pesticides, most poisonings from dimethyl sulfate occur due to leakage of liquid or vapor. Signs of poisoning will be more pronounced if alcohol is present. Nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and headache occur. Possible increase in temperature, excitability, pain in the limbs, visual and hearing impairment, mental disorders. In severe cases, tremor, ataxia, loss of consciousness, paroxysmal clonic-tonic convulsions resembling epileptic seizures, and coma develop. A pathological examination reveals pronounced vascular disorders and degenerative changes in the parenchymal organs, brain and adrenal glands.

Nicotine. It is estimated that the lethal dose of nicotine for humans is 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight, i.e. about 50 - 70 mg for a teenager. Consequently, death can occur if a teenager smokes half a pack of cigarettes at the same time, because a whole pack contains exactly one lethal dose of nicotine.

Wart. A fish with a row of spines on its back that release a poisonous toxin. This is the most dangerous venomous fish known and its venom causes extreme pain with possible shock, paralysis and tissue death depending on the depth of penetration. At the slightest irritation, the wart raises the spines of the dorsal fin; sharp and durable, they easily pierce the shoes of a person who accidentally steps on a fish, and penetrate deep into the foot. If penetrated deeply, the injection can be fatal to a person if he does not receive medical attention within a few hours. If the thorn gets into a large blood vessel, death can occur within 2-3 hours. Survivors sometimes remain ill for months. The venom consists of a mixture of proteins, including hemolytic stonustoxin, neurotoxin and cardioactive cardioleptin. Typically, surviving victims suffer localized nerve damage, sometimes leading to atrophy of the attached muscle tissue. The pain can be so severe that injection victims want to cut off the injured limb.

Hydrogen sulfide- a colorless, poisonous gas heavier than air with an unpleasant odor of rotten eggs. It can be released during the process of decay and accumulates in lowlands. Very toxic. At high concentrations, a single inhalation can cause instant death. At low concentrations, adaptation to unpleasant smell“rotten eggs”, and it ceases to be felt. A sweetish metallic taste appears in the mouth. The first symptom of acute poisoning is loss of smell. Subsequently, headache, dizziness and nausea appear. Sometimes, after a while, sudden fainting occurs.

Oleander- a large evergreen shrub. All parts of the plant are poisonous, moreover, the smoke from the burning plant and the water in which the flowers stood are poisonous. The plant contains a number of cardiac glycosides (oleandrin, cornerin, etc.). Oleander juice, taken internally, causes severe colic in humans and animals, vomiting and diarrhea... It also affects the nervous system (even to the point of coma). Cardiac glycosides cause cardiac arrest.

Phencyclidine(phencyclidine, PCP) - widely used in veterinary medicine for short-term immobilization of large animals. It has been noted to cause dissociated anesthesia. Phencyclidine is easy to synthesize. People who use phencyclidine are primarily young people and polydrug addicts. The true prevalence of phencyclidine drug addiction is unknown, but national data indicate that cases have recently increased in the United States. PCP is either taken orally, smoked, or administered intravenously. It is also used as an additive to illegally sold delta-tetrahydrocannabinol, LSD and cocaine. The most common homemade drug of PCP is called "angel dust." Low doses of phencyclidine (5 mg) cause restlessness, agitation, incoordination, dysarthria, and anesthesia. Horizontal and vertical nystagmus, hot flashes, profuse sweat, and hyperacusis are also possible. Mental disorders include body schema disturbance, incoherent thinking, derealization, and depersonalization. Higher doses (5-10 mg) cause increased salivation, vomiting, myoclonus, hyperthermia, stupor and coma. In doses of 10 mg or more, phencyclidine causes epileptic seizures, opisthotonus and decerebrate rigidity, which can be followed by prolonged coma. Acute psychosis caused by phencyclidine should be considered a psychiatric emergency with a high risk of suicide or violent crimes.

Parathion(Parathion) - organophosphorus compound - pesticide; when it is inhaled, enters the gastrointestinal tract, or is absorbed through the skin, poisoning occurs. Like some other organophosphate compounds, parathion interferes with the enzyme cholinesterase, resulting in excessive stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, profuse sweating and salivation, lacrimation, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle spasms.

TEPP cholinesterase inhibitor-used mainly as insecticides and can cause poisoning. Symptoms - headache, loss of depth perception, convulsions, sweating, chest pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, general paralysis, involuntary urination and defecation, drop in blood pressure, death.

Yew tree. All parts of the plant are poisonous, except the red fruits. The wood, bark and leaves of yew contain the alkaloid taxin and are therefore poisonous to humans and many other animals, although, for example, hares and deer eat yew willingly and without harm to themselves. The older the yew needles, the more poisonous they are.

Carbon Tetrachloride(Carbon Tetrachloride) is a caustic volatile liquid used as a dry cleaner. When its vapors are inhaled or swallowed, it causes severe damage to the heart, liver and kidneys (for example, the patient may develop cirrhosis of the liver or kidney nephrosis), affects the optic nerve and some other nerves in the human body.

Strychnine- an alkaloid contained in the seeds of tropical plants of the genus strychnos. It has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, and in toxic doses causes characteristic tetanic convulsions...

Clostridium botulinum(Clostridium botulinum) is a gram-positive bacterium of the genus Clostridium, the causative agent of botulism, a severe food intoxication caused by botulinum toxin and characterized by damage to the nervous system. Botulinum toxin accumulates in food products, infected with C. botulunum spores during their germination, if anaerobic conditions are created (for example, during canning). For humans, botulinum toxin is the most potent bacterial poison, having a detrimental effect at a dose of 10-8 mg/kg. C. botulinum spores can withstand boiling for 6 hours, high pressure sterilization destroys them after 20 minutes, 10% hydrochloric acid- after 1 hour, 50% formaldehyde after 24 hours. Botulinum toxin type A(B) is completely destroyed when boiled for 25 minutes. The incubation period for botulism ranges from several hours to 2-5 days (rarely up to 10 days). On the first day, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are noted. Further, neurosymptoms associated with damage to nerve centers predominate: impaired accommodation, double vision, difficulty swallowing, aphonia. In severe forms of botulism, death occurs from respiratory paralysis, sometimes from sudden cardiac arrest.

Potassium cyanide- potassium salt of hydrocyanic acid, chemical formula KCN. Strong inorganic poison. If ingested through the digestive tract, the lethal dose for humans is 1.7 mg/kg. Sometimes large doses are tolerated; the effect may slow down when the stomach is filled with food. Potassium cyanide is a powerful inhibitor. When it enters the body, it blocks the cellular enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, as a result of which cells lose the ability to absorb oxygen from the blood and the body dies from interstitial hypoxia.

All of us, one way or another, have encountered such a phenomenon as poisons.

Some enthusiastically read about them in books, some were briefly told about them in school lessons, and some directly worked with them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

If we look at history, arsenic was at one time the most popular poison and a favorite among murderers. It was even called “royal poison.”

The use of arsenic began in ancient times (the use of this poison was even attributed to Caligula), mainly in order to eliminate enemies and competitors in the endless struggle for the throne - no matter whether royal or papal. Arsenic was the poison of choice for all European nobility during the Middle Ages.

His popularity was based various factors– both power and availability. For example, in Great Britain, arsenic was sold in pharmacies as a rodent poison.

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

Quite a sensational poison in its time.

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

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

After infection, the victim feels only a chill, which gradually turns into breathing problems, and then to a stop. The mortality rate from this disease reaches as much as 90% in the first week from the moment of infection.

This famous toxin has become literally synonymous with poison.

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

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

Cyanide poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or even simple touching. The slightest dose is enough for the poison, once in the body, to paralyze the blood flow and block the access of oxygen. Death occurs almost instantly.

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

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

Despite the fact that the production of Sarin has been prohibited by law since 1993, since then quite a few cases of its use have been recorded. For example, in terrorist attacks or chemical warfare. Stands out especially strongly against this background chemical attack one thousand nine hundred and ninety-five in the Tokyo subway and riots in Syria and Iraq.

Strychnine was originally extracted from trees that grew in Southeast Asia and India.

Pure strychnine powder white, has a bitter taste and is fatal when ingested by any route, be it by injection or inhalation.

Despite the fact that the original purpose of strychnine was to use it as a pesticide, it has been added to drugs such as cocaine and heroin on many occasions.

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

The mushroom, which contains such a powerful poison, looks, unfortunately, no more dangerous than its edible counterparts. However, just thirty grams of the deadly mushroom can send a person to the “other world.”

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

Amatoxin is so strong poison, which can seriously harm the heart. In this case, the victim will face certain death, without the immediate administration of an antidote, which, by the way, is a large dose of penicillin. Without an antidote, victims of amatoxin have a 100% chance of falling into a coma and dying from liver or heart failure within a few days.

"Supplier" of this known poison are Fugu fish, which at first glance will not seem to you to be particularly dangerous predators. However, their skin, intestines, liver and other organs contain one of the most dangerous and deadly poisons known to mankind.

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

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

Being a derivative of the castor bean, a perennial, highly poisonous plant, ricin is also considered a natural poison. Therefore, people risk being exposed to it in several ways: through food, air or water. And, depending on this route, the symptoms of ricin poisoning may vary.

However, the principle of damage to the body remains unchanged. Ricin poisons the body, blocking the ability of cells to synthesize proteins necessary for life. As a result, such “blocked” cells die, and this, in turn, often leads to failure of the entire organ that was subjected to the poisonous attack of ricin.

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

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

In this article, we have listed many poisons that are simply incredibly powerful and can kill in record time. However, many experts in the field of toxicology unanimously agree that botulinum toxin can be called the deadliest poison in the world. By the way, this is what is used in Botox injections to smooth out wrinkles.

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

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

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

Omega is a highly toxic substance that is part of hemlock. Just 100 milligrams of it (8 leaves) will be enough to kill a person. How it works: all body systems gradually fail, except the brain. As a result, you, being in your right mind, begin to die slowly and painfully until you suffocate.

The most popular hemlock was among the Greeks. Interesting fact: This plant caused the death of Socrates in 399 BC. The Greeks executed him in this way for disrespect for the gods.

Source: wikipedia.org

No. 9 - Aconite

This poison is obtained from the fighter plant. It causes arrhythmia, which ends in suffocation. They say that even touching this plant without gloves can result in death. It is almost impossible to detect traces of poison in the body. The most famous case of use is that Emperor Claudius poisoned his wife Agrippina by adding aconite to her mushroom dish.

Source: wikipedia.org

#8 - Belladonna

In the Middle Ages, belladonna was used as a women's cosmetic (rouge for cheeks). Special drops were even obtained from the plant to dilate the pupils (at that time this was considered fashionable). You could also swallow belladonna leaves - one is just enough for a person to die. Berries are also not a miss: you only need to eat 10 of them to die. In those days, a special poisonous solution was made from the latter, which was used to lubricate arrowheads.

Source: wikipedia.org

#7 - Dimethylmercury

This is the slowest and most insidious killer. This is because even 0.1 milliliter that accidentally gets on your skin will be enough to be fatal. The most notorious case: in 1996, a chemistry teacher at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire dropped a drop of poison onto her hand. Dimethylmercury burned through a latex glove; symptoms of poisoning appeared after 4 months. And 10 months later the scientist died.

Source: wikipedia.org

#6 - Tetrodotoxin

This poison is found in blue-ringed octopuses and pufferfish. With the former, things are very bad: octopuses deliberately attack their prey with tetrodotoxin, imperceptibly pricking it with special needles. Death occurs within a few minutes, but symptoms do not appear immediately - after paralysis sets in. One poison blue-ringed octopus enough to kill 26 healthy men.

It’s easier with fugu: their poison is only dangerous when you’re about to eat the fish. It all depends on the correct preparation: if the cook is not mistaken, the tetrodoxin will all evaporate. And you will eat the dish without any consequences, except for incredible adrenaline rushes...

Source: wikipedia.org

#5 - Polonium

Polonium is a radioactive poison for which there is no antidote. The substance is so dangerous that just 1 gram of it can kill 1.5 million people in a few months. The most sensational case of the use of polonium was the death of Alexander Litvinenko, an employee of the KGB-FSB. He died in 3 weeks, the reason was that 200 grams of poison were found in his body.

Source: wikipedia.org

#4 - Mercury

elemental mercury - found in thermometers. Instant death occurs if it is inhaled;
inorganic mercury - used in the manufacture of batteries. Lethal if swallowed;
organic mercury. Sources are tuna and swordfish. It is recommended to eat no more than 170 grams per month. Otherwise, organic mercury will begin to accumulate in the body.

The most famous case of use is the poisoning of Amadeus Mozart. He was given mercury tablets to treat syphilis.