Q:
Which element is used as rat poison?
A:
Quick Answer
Thallium is the element used as rat poison and in the electro-technical and chemical industries. The element was discovered by Sir William Crookes in 1861 and appears as No. 81 on the periodic table.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Frank Bienewald
LightRocket
Getty Images
Full Answer
Thallium is toxic to rats and also has negative effects on plants, such as leaf color changes and growth decline. The human body does absorb the substance effectively through the skin and lungs, with most thallium poisoning is due to the accidental intake of rat poison. In humans, accumulation may lead to side effects that include tiredness or fatigue, headaches, depression, loss of appetite, leg pain, hair loss and loss of vision.
Learn more about Atoms & MoleculesSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
Why is sulfur dangerous?
A: Sulfur is a chemical element that is dangerous because it poses a threat on multiple levels: it is flammable, corrosive, and damaging to the health of anyt... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the most abundant element on Earth?
A: The most abundant element on Earth is oxygen, but the most abundant element in the entire universe is hydrogen. On Earth, oxygen makes up approximately 47 ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What two properties are the modern periodic table based on?
A: The modern periodic table is based upon the atomic number and the physical properties of each element. The periods, or rows, are arranged by increasing ato... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which element has 82 protons?
A: The element with 82 protons is lead. Lead also has 82 as an atomic number and 82 electrons. The number of protons is equal to the number of electrons in a ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
