exists in nature great amount substances that, on the one hand, are dangerous to health, on the other hand, help to heal various diseases. It all depends on their quantity and concentration. When exposed to poisons in sufficiently small quantities, some of them help to recover from the most dangerous diseases, without any pathologies or consequences.
The most powerful poison
Poisons are quite diverse: some kill a person instantly, while the effects of others are very slow, gradually leading to death for the body. Some even cause severe pain and terrible suffering. There are a huge variety of them; the article lists the most dangerous ones. So dangerous that it is difficult to even determine which poison is the strongest.
Cyanide
Hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives are a very dangerous substance for the human body. A very small amount of it can instantly kill a living organism. However, sugar can resist it; it is an antidote.
Anthrax poison
The bacteria that cause this life-threatening disease belong to the Bacillus anthracis family. They attack healthy cells, leading to their death. If a person has a skin form of the disease, then in 20% it leads to death. When affected by the intestinal form anthrax 50% of victims die. The pulmonary form leaves virtually no chance for the patient to survive; doctors manage to save only 5%.
Sarin
This substance was obtained as a result of attempts to synthesize pesticides. It is very dangerous; when it enters the body, a person experiences severe suffering, which ultimately leads to death. This poison was used as a chemical weapon for a long time, until its production was stopped in the 90s. But at present it is still used by terrorists and the military.
Amatoxins
These substances are contained in fly agaric mushrooms. A person may only feel symptoms after poison enters the body after 10 hours or even the next day. Amatoxins have a detrimental effect on all organs, so in most cases poisoning is fatal. If a person managed to survive, then for the rest of his life he will be tormented by pain that arises due to internal organs damaged by these substances.
Mercury
This poison penetrates everything internal organs person. tends to accumulate, so with a small amount of it it very slowly poisons the body. When a person is poisoned by this substance, the normal activity of the nervous system is disrupted, severe mental disorder.
Strychnine
It was discovered by chemists back in the 19th century. This toxic substance is obtained from chilibuha nuts. A large amount of it leads to severe poisoning. Subsequently, a slow death occurs, while the person suffers greatly and begins to have convulsions. If used in small quantities, strychnine is an excellent remedy for treating paralysis. Another useful property The fact is that this substance speeds up metabolism.
Tetrodotoxin
This poison is found in a Japanese fish called fugu. Its content has also been noted in the caviar and skin of animals that live in water in tropical zone, and its presence has also been recorded in the eggs of the Californian newt. Doctors are not always able to cure a person after ingesting this poison, and the mortality rate is high. However, most people still prefer to try this delicacy - fugu dishes. But even the most experienced chef is not immune to the fact that the fish he cooks will poison his visitors.
V-Ex
This poison is used by the military as a chemical weapon. It paralyzes the human body and also causes nervous breakdown. If a person inhales its vapors, or the substance gets on the skin, then painful death occurs in less than an hour.
Ricin
Obtained from plants. Its grains are very dangerous; if they enter the respiratory tract, they endanger human life. He dies if this substance enters the blood. Very powerful, stronger than even cyanide, and only due to technical problems it was not possible to use it as a chemical weapon mass destruction. But still, this poison is used by the military and terrorists.
Botulism toxin
It is produced by bacterial cells Clostridium botulinum, which are very dangerous to human health and life. When exposed to them, the body develops botulism. This poison is widely used in medicine: it is not large quantities added to medications, and also received wide application during operations in which Botox is used. Perhaps botulinum toxin is the most powerful poison for humans.
The poisons described in the article have a detrimental effect on the body, causing death in most cases. And if the victim is able to be saved from intoxication with these substances, then for the rest of his life he will experience various consequences and health problems.
06.07.2015
During times of palace intrigue, poison was considered the most elegant way to get even with enemies. It was during this period that the poisoners achieved incredible results. Alchemists developed the most unexpected compounds. Sometimes it was simply impossible to recognize the poison, which means there was no question of an antidote. It happened that a drop of a deadly potion could decide the fate of not only one person, but the entire country. Today the history of poisoning looks like medieval savagery. However, thanks historical facts And fiction humanity knows at least 10 deadly poisons, which in the past were considered very dangerous weapons.
10. Belladonna
In pursuit of beauty, a woman cannot be stopped even deadly poisons . Due to its popularity among fashionistas, it poisonous plant received a poetic name - belladonna. And, as you know, pretty women in Italy are called bella donna. And it was the Italians who dropped the juice of this plant into their eyes, causing their pupils to dilate greatly. So the eyes acquired shine, and the gaze became deep and hypnotic. The juice was also rubbed onto the cheeks to provide a glow. Often the poison caused dry mouth, difficulty breathing and rapid heartbeat. It seems that Russian beauties also resorted to this remedy, since in Rus' the plant was called “belladonna”. In the Middle Ages, belladonna was used to make a cream that was rubbed onto the skin of suspected witches. Under the influence of the toxin, the poor women hallucinated and, delirious, confessed to all non-existent sins. More often, the poor things died from paralysis of the respiratory center. Those who managed to survive were sent to the stake. Today, the use of belladonna extract is less dramatic. In pharmacology, it is used in fundus examination and for the treatment of asthma, gastritis and kidney stones.
9. Botulinum toxin
One of the most dangerous poisons is botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Most often, the development of pathogenic flora is facilitated by violation of the technology for preparing canned fish or meat. Even hydrochloric acid is not afraid of botulinum toxin, which is why it feels very comfortable in the human stomach. It provokes nervous system failure and respiratory tract paralysis. As a result, a person dies from suffocation. At the beginning of the 20th century this dangerous poison was seen as a powerful biological weapons. But fortunately, interest in botulinum toxin in this direction has been exhausted. Moreover, all developments in this vein are prohibited by a special UN convention. Unexpectedly, in the 70s of the twentieth century, the properties of botulinum toxin were useful in medicine, or more precisely, in ophthalmological practice. When administered in microscopic doses, it helps patients suffering from blepharospasm. A little later, cosmetology became interested in the miraculous properties of this toxin. This is how Botox was born. Several precise injections provide temporary paralysis facial muscles, which gives a lasting effect in the fight against expression wrinkles. Interestingly, migraines are treated in exactly the same way.
8. Batrachotoxin
Batrachotoxin is found in the glands of some species of dart frogs. Meet poisonous species poison dart frog is possible in Colombia. These frogs have a bright color, as if signaling potential danger. A small scratch on the skin of a person or animal is enough for the poison to enter the bloodstream. The victim dies in less than 10 minutes from cardiac arrest. An effective antidote for batrachotoxin has not yet been found. Indians South America knew that some species of frogs produce death poison. To make their weapon (the blowpipe) even more reliable, they ran the tip of the dart along the frog's back.
7. Cantarella
For history buffs, the odious Borgia family is primarily associated with their manic passion for all kinds of poisons. Thus, Rodrigo de Borgia went down in history not as Pope Alexander VI, but under the nickname “the apothecary of Satan.” It must be said that his lifestyle was absolutely contrary to his high rank. Debauchery and bacchanalia reigned at the court of Pope Alexander VI. He dealt with numerous undesirables using poison. And he was very successful in this activity. Neem invented a unique poison composition called “Cantarella”. The hellish mixture consisted of arsenic, copper and phosphorus salts. The ways in which Borgia injected poison into the victim’s blood are also amazing. So, he invited the guest to open one of the rooms of his house with a key, on the surface of which a poisoned thorn was hidden. Or he could simply prick a victim with a poisoned needle in the crowd. The most terrible, but also elegant method of poisoning was the numerous Borgia rings. Some of them had secret containers for poison, which made it possible to quietly add the potion to a glass of wine. Others contained a hidden poisonous thorn, which made it possible to kill the victim with a handshake. They say that this method was often used illegitimate daughter Rodrigo, Lucrezia Borgia. Ironically, Rodrigo de Borgia died of poisoning. They say that he mistakenly drank poisoned wine, which was intended for unwanted cardinals.
6. Strychnine
Perhaps among writers, strychnine is the most popular of those described here. 10 deadly poisons. Thus, in “The Sign of Four,” Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder with strychnine; Agatha Christie, H.G. Wells, Jack London and Stephen King did not ignore this poison. Strychnine is obtained from the seeds of the chilibuha plant, the so-called vomit nuts. The poison has a strong stimulating effect on the central nervous system, even leading to terrible convulsions. However, for therapeutic purposes this substance is used to stimulate various systems and human organs. It is noteworthy that strychnine, in turn, is an effective antidote for barbiturate poisoning. There is a version that Alexander the Great was poisoned with strychnine, and his jealous wife “treated” him to the poison.
5. Ricin
Castor oil is extracted from castor beans, which no doctor could do without back in the 19th century. This medicine is effective as a laxative and as an antiseptic. But both the beans and the stems of the plant contain a dangerous poison - ricin. It is also contained in oil, but is easily destroyed under the influence of steam, which is why castor oil is not toxic. The same cannot be said about ricin, which is 6 times more toxic than potassium cyanide. Once in the blood, it causes vomiting, dehydration, gastric and intestinal bleeding. As a result, the poisoned person will face a painful death in 5-7 days. But even if the victim manages to survive, his health will be irreparably damaged, since ricin can destroy tissue proteins. In 1978, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov was poisoned with ricin. The poison entered the blood through an injection with a specially designed umbrella. Rumor has it that this is the work of the special services. Because ricin is relatively easy to obtain, there is a danger that it could be used by terrorist groups. Thus, traces of ricin were found at the destroyed al-Qaeda base. And in 2013, letters containing ricin were sent to the US President and two other high-ranking officials. The tragedy was avoided; the letters did not reach the recipients.
4. Curare
Many deadly poisons in the civilized world were discovered by accident. So, back in the early 17th century, while traveling around South America, the Englishman Walter Raleigh saw how the local Indians hunted. The Indians went to hunt with bows and arrows. Raleigh noticed that, despite the imperfect weapons, the hunt was incredibly successful. Even an inaccurate hit stopped the animal, and the Indians were not left without hunting trophy. It turned out that the tips of their arrows were moistened with curare. The natives extracted this substance from the bark of a plant that scientists would later call Strychnos toxifera. The researcher's curiosity got the better of him common sense, and Raleigh, scratching the skin, dropped a couple of drops of the composition into the wound. He instantly lost consciousness and then almost died. Curare poison is a strong muscle relaxant, that is, it provokes muscle relaxation. Now it’s clear why the Indians’ prey, even if scratched by an arrow, stopped abruptly and fell dead. The animal simply suffocated as a result of paralysis of the respiratory system. Despite the fact that the meat was essentially poisoned, the Indians ate it without fear. The fact is that curare poison is active only when it enters the blood, but through gastrointestinal tract it doesn't work. Nowadays, derivatives of this substance are used in medicine to relax muscles. Curare is also one of the antidotes for strychnine.
3. Potassium cyanide
Most readers of Agatha Christie's detective stories have never dealt with potassium cyanide, but they know that it has the smell of bitter almonds. This fast-acting poison is dangerous because it binds iron in human blood cells. As a result, oxygen cannot reach vital important bodies. It can enter the body not only when ingested, but also through inhaled air, as well as through the pores of the skin when touched. Potassium cyanide crystals look like sugar, but they have no taste and quickly dissolve in water. For humans, a dose of 0.12 g is considered fatal. Due to its speed and ease of use, potassium cyanide has gone down in history as a poison of death for many Nazi criminals during Hitler's Germany. Having bitten through the cyanide ampoule, Hitler himself managed to avoid punishment.
2. Tetrodotoxin
Despite the fact that tetrodotoxin is found in the body of a number of goby fish, blue-ringed octopus, some species of crabs, frogs and octopuses, the puffer fish brought him fame. In Japan, a dish made from it is a fairly popular delicacy. And this despite the fact that fish meat contains a high dose of poison. Cooked professional chef, it becomes harmless to humans. However, the price of a culinary mistake is the life of a gourmet. Quite recently, a cook, through whose fault a person died, was obliged to eat it himself. poisonous dish. It was also possible to wash away the shame with ritual suicide. And although such retribution motivated the cook to be extremely attentive, in 1958 culinary specialists began to be taught this skill in special courses. Upon completion of which a work license is issued. But even such a serious approach cannot protect against poisoning. Tetrodotoxin is a real poison of death for gourmets. Every year, up to two dozen people die around the world who are unlucky with a cook. There is no antidote for tetrodotoxin; a person dies as a result of paralysis of the respiratory tract. Doctors do not fight the poison, but only wait until its effect ends, while providing artificial ventilation to the patient’s lungs.
1. Arsenic
Of the 10 deadly poisons, arsenic was most often used as the main weapon of silent palace coups. That is why it is also called royal poison. There is a version that Catherine de Medici killed with the help of arsenic own son. Whether she did this intentionally or by mistake when the poison was intended for someone else is not known for certain. One way or another, a book about falconry fell into the hands of the reigning King of France, Charles IX. A passionate hunter, he began reading with interest. But for some reason the corners of the book stuck together, and in order to turn the page, the king had to wet the tip of his finger with his own saliva. Page after page, Karl involuntarily licked the arsenic from the tip of his finger, with which the corners of the sheets were soaked. Very soon the king felt unwell, and then died in terrible agony. According to historians, the cause of Napoleon’s death was also this dangerous poison. This was discovered recently, thanks to a preserved lock of hair from the disgraced emperor. The arsenic content in them was off the charts. Perhaps Napoleon's enemies were too afraid of his triumphant return to the throne, and found a way to protect themselves. The thing is that arsenic can accumulate in the body, this allows it to kill the victim gradually. And for the poisoner it is important to remain above suspicion. In addition, the symptoms of arsenic poisoning are similar to those of cholera. This is why for a long time it was impossible to establish and prove that a person died from arsenic poisoning. And only in the 20th century, scientists in Europe were able to find a way to determine this poison. Despite its high toxicity, in the 19th century fashionistas regularly took small doses of arsenic in order to achieve noble paleness. skin. It is absolutely clear that in such cases colossal harm was caused to health, but “such a trifle” could not stop the beauties of that time.
It is difficult to say which poison is considered the most dangerous, because they are all equally deadly. This means they equally pose a threat to life. But there is no absolute evil in the world, and even deadly poisons in small doses they sometimes become medicines.
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 the help of 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, 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 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 engage in fishing in such places, it is fraught 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 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 civil wars, after which both the USA and the USSR began to produce sarin and stockpile 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. He is 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 appearance 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
With these household poisons Literally everyone has encountered dangers for 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. Constant contact with these poisons can result in malfunctions reproductive system, and with severe intoxication, a person can die from laryngeal edema.
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, followed by coma and death.
A positive prognosis is observed with timely treatment. Despite the fact that amatoxin, like everything, is slow active poisons, causes irreparable harm gradually, there were also lightning-fast deaths, mainly among children.
Batrachotoxin is a powerful poison that belongs to the alkaloid family. Meet him in conditions ordinary life almost impossible. It is secreted through the glands of leaf frogs. 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 found out about it quite quickly, since lethal doses of this potent substance were deliberately sent to recipients along with letters.
Bacillus anthrax
It's a pathogen infectious disease, which 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, leading to sepsis. Another severe form, which can only be cured in very in rare cases- This 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.
Do not assume that potent toxic substances– these 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.
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 broken thermometer. The evaporation process begins even when 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. The use is not even large quantity 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 production plastic products, photos, gold mining industry and some other areas. Poisoning occurs even from inhaling cyanide vapor. IN shortest 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, convulsions and severe painful sensations 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 death cap 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 strong impact if 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 as soon as possible Paralysis of the respiratory system develops and the 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 the appearance severe pain, which 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 him, especially when it comes to wild representatives fauna.
If you were bitten poisonous snake or a spider, try to immediately suck the poison out of the wound. Remember that this can only be done if oral cavity there is no damage. Contact us as soon as possible medical care.
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 its earliest stages. In other cases, there is an extremely high probability fatal outcome. 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. At intestinal form No more than 5% of victims can be saved from the disease.
- 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 have as little contact as possible with hazardous substances. If infection does occur, do not try to cure it yourself. Only timely seeking medical help will save your life.
Poisons have been used from ancient times to the present day as weapons, antidotes, and even medicine.
In fact, poisons are all around us, in drinking water, in everyday objects and even our blood.
The word "poison" is used to describe any substance that can cause a dangerous disorder in the body.
Even in small quantities, the poison can lead to poisoning and death.
Here are some examples of some of the most insidious poisons that can be fatal to humans.
1. Botulinum toxin
Many poisons can be lethal in small doses, so it is quite difficult to single out the most dangerous one. However, many experts agree that botulinum toxin, which is used in Botox injections to smooth out wrinkles is the strongest.
Botulism is a serious disease leading to paralysis, caused by botulinum toxin, which is produced by bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This poison causes damage to the nervous system, respiratory arrest and death in terrible agony.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, double vision, facial weakness, speech impediments, difficulty swallowing and others. The bacterium can enter the body through food (usually poorly canned foods) and through open wounds.
2. Poison ricin
Ricin is natural poison which is obtained from castor beans castor bean plants. A few grains are enough to kill an adult. Ricin kills cells in the human body, preventing it from producing the proteins it needs, resulting in organ failure. A person can become poisoned by ricin through inhalation or ingestion.
If inhaled, symptoms of poisoning usually appear within 8 hours of exposure and include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, nausea, sweating and chest tightness.
If ingested, symptoms appear in less than 6 hours and include nausea and diarrhea (possibly bloody), low blood pressure, hallucinations and seizures. Death may occur within 36-72 hours.
3. Sarin gas
Sarin is one of the the most dangerous and deadly nerve gases, which is hundreds of times more toxic than cyanide. Sarin was originally produced as a pesticide, but the clear, odorless gas soon became a powerful chemical weapon.
A person can be poisoned by sarin gas by inhaling or exposing the gas to the eyes and skin. Initially, symptoms may appear such as runny nose and chest tightness, difficulty breathing and nausea.
Then the person loses control over all functions of his body and falls into a coma, convulsions and spasms occur until suffocation occurs.
4. Tetrodotoxin
This deadly poison found in the organs of fish of the genus pufferfish, from which the famous Japanese delicacy "fugu" is prepared. Tetrodotoxin persists in the skin, liver, intestines and other organs, even after the fish has been cooked.
This toxin causes paralysis, convulsions, mental disorder and other symptoms. Death occurs within 6 hours after ingestion of the poison.
Every year, several people are known to die painful deaths from tetrodotoxin poisoning after eating fugu.
5. Potassium cyanide
Potassium cyanide is one of the fastest deadly poisons, known to mankind. It may be in the form of crystals and colorless gas with a bitter almond odor. Cyanide can be found in some foods and plants. It is found in cigarettes and is used to make plastic, photographs, extract gold from ore, and kill unwanted insects.
Cyanide has been used since ancient times, and in modern world he was the way death penalty. Poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion and even touching, causing symptoms such as convulsions, respiratory failure and in severe cases death, which may occur in a few minutes. It kills by binding to iron in blood cells, making them unable to carry oxygen.
6. Mercury and mercury poisoning
There are three forms of mercury that can be potentially hazardous: elemental, inorganic and organic. Elemental mercury, which contained in mercury thermometers , old fillings and fluorescent lamps, non-toxic on contact, but may be fatal if inhaled.
Inhalation of mercury vapor (the metal quickly turns into a gas at room temperature) affects the lungs and brain, turning off the central nervous system.
Inorganic mercury, which is used to make batteries, can be fatal if ingested and cause kidney damage and other symptoms. Organic mercury found in fish and seafood is usually hazardous over long-term exposure. Symptoms of poisoning may include memory loss, blindness, seizures and others.
7. Strychnine and strychnine poisoning
Strychnine is an odorless, white, bitter crystalline powder that can be acquired by ingestion, inhalation, solution, and intravenous injection.
They get it from the seeds of the chilibuha tree(Strychnos nux-vomica), native to India and southeast Asia. Although it is often used as a pesticide, it can also be found in narcotic substances such as heroin and cocaine.
The degree of strychnine poisoning depends on the amount and route of entry into the body, but a small amount of this poison is enough to cause a serious condition. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle spasms, respiratory failure and even lead to brain death 30 minutes after exposure.
8. Arsenic and arsenic poisoning
Arsenic, which is the 33rd element in the periodic table, has been synonymous with poison since ancient times. It was often used as a poison of choice in political assassinations, as Arsenic poisoning resembled cholera symptoms.
Arsenic is considered a heavy metal with properties similar to those of lead and mercury. In high concentrations it can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as abdominal pain, seizures, coma and death. In small amounts, it can contribute to a number of diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
9. Poison curare
Curare is a mixture of various South American plants that were used for poison arrows. Curare has been used for medicinal purposes in a highly diluted form. The main poison is an alkaloid, which causes paralysis and death, as well as strychnine and hemlock. However, after respiratory paralysis occurs, the heart may continue to beat.
Death from curare is slow and painful, as the victim remains conscious but cannot move or speak. However, if artificial respiration is applied before the poison settles, the person can be saved. Amazon tribes used curare to hunt animals, but the poisoned animal meat was not dangerous to those who consumed it.
10. Batrachotoxin
Fortunately, the chances of encountering this poison are very small. Batrachotoxin, found in the skin of tiny dart frogs, is one of the most powerful neurotoxins in the world.
Frogs themselves do not produce poison; it is accumulated from the foods they consume, mainly small bugs. The most dangerous poison content was found in a species of frogs terrible leaf climber , living in Colombia.
One specimen contains enough batrachotoxin to kill two dozen people or several elephants. I affects nerves, especially around the heart, makes breathing difficult and quickly leads to death.
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