Thallium as an industrial poison (review of literature)

The presented reports on cases of occupational thallium poisoning clearly demonstrate that the possibility of their occurrence in industrial plants is very real. The number of such intoxications is much higher than that of non-industrial poisonings, but this is predominantly due to the less pronounced clinical picture and to the fact that specific tests for thallium are not performed. As a result, these cases partly escape registration altogether and partly are wrongly diagnosed. Thallium and its compounds belong to the first class of poisons, their dangerousness being enhanced by their easy permeability through the skin. Industrial thallium poisoning can be either acute or chronic, but in all cases, it is characterized by a long duration and severity of its course. Strict hygienic demands on the organization of the technological process and the measures of protection of persons working with thallium are indispensable. Compulsory examination of the urine of those working with thallium for the presence of this substance should also be introduced.