Thallium

Thallium (TI) is an element from the group of heavy metals.

It is found primarily in the cement and steel industries.

Thallium is toxic in all occurring compounds. Acute and chronic thallium poisoning can be distinguished.

In acute thallium poisoning, the following symptoms may occur:

Early symptoms

  • Irritation of the respiratory tract
  • Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Nausea (nausea)/vomiting

Symptoms that occur after an asymptomatic interval of a few days:

  • Constipation (constipation)
  • Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract)
  • Polyneuropathy – pathological change of several nerves, leading mainly to paresthesias (insensations).
  • Alopecia (hair loss) – severe hair loss after the 13th day.
  • Paresis (paralysis) – after 3-4 weeks.

Late symptoms

  • Micturition disorders – disturbances during urination
  • Disturbances during defecation such as weakness of the sphincter muscle
  • Leukonychia striata – white coloration (transverse stripes) of the nails.

Chronic thallium poisoning may cause the following symptoms:

  • Anorexia nervosa (anorexia).
  • Weight loss
  • Alopecia (hair loss) – minor hair loss.
  • Neuralgia (nerve pain)
  • Visual disturbances

The procedure

Material needed

  • Blood serum
  • Urine
  • Hair

Preparation of the patient

  • Not necessary

Disruptive factors

  • Not known

Normal values – blood serum

Normal value in μg/l < 0,3

Normal values – urine

Normal value in μg/l < 0,7

Standard values – hair

Normal value in μg/l < 0,02

Indications

  • Suspected thallium poisoning

Interpretation

Interpretation of lowered values

  • Not relevant to disease

Interpretation of elevated values

  • Occupational exposure
    • Coal-fired power plants
    • Fabrication of infrared sensitive photoelectric cells.
    • Manufacture of rodenticides (see also pesticides) and insecticides (see also pesticides).
    • Luminous paint and pyrotechnic industry
    • Cement, paper and glass industry (production of imitation gemstones and optical glasses).
  • Rat poison incorporation (poisoning with rat poison).