Deadly Toxins: Nature's Hidden Killers and Man-Made Menaces
Most lethal toxins globally identified - Most Dangerous Toxins Globally Ranked by Deadliness
Hey there! Today we're diving into the world of deadly toxins - the deadly concoctions that Mother Nature has hidden away, and the artificial toxins that man has crafted. Buckle up, because this ain't gonna be a pretty ride.
Let's start with a chilling tale from 1978. A Thursday in September, Georgi Markov, a renowned journalist and dissident, was walking across London's Waterloo Bridge. At a bus stop, he was jostled by a stranger, and minutes later, he felt a sting on his leg. Fast forward to four days later, he was dead. The cause? A tiny platinum pellet, about the size of a grain of salt, filled with the lethal toxin ricin. The assault was later known as the umbrella assassination.
Now, ricin might sound familiar, but did you know that it's just one of many deadly toxins out there? In this gallery, we're going to take a look at ten naturally occurring poisons and two man-made toxins that you should steer clear of. Let's get started.
Naturally Occurring Toxins:
1. Tetrodotoxin
Found in pufferfish, tetrodotoxin is a deadly toxin that's 1,200 times more potent than cyanide. It targets sodium channels in cells, leading to paralysis and death by respiratory failure. You better make sure that sushi is fresh, or it could be your last meal.
2. Abrin
The Rosary Pea plant hides a deadly secret - abrin. It's 75 times more potent than ricin and can cause death through organ failure if you chew on the seeds or even get them scratched into your skin.best to keep a safe distance from this little plant.
3. Ricin
Ricin, found in the Castor Oil Plant, is the toxin you've probably heard of due to its use in the still-unsolved case of Georgi Markov. It leads to organ failure within 36 to 72 hours of ingestion, making it a quick and nasty killer.
4. Cicutoxin
Accidentally mistaking Water Hemlock for a tasty edible could lead to a rapid and fatal outcome. Cicutoxin, found in this plant, causes seizures and death within hours. Best to steer clear of this one.
5. Atropine and Scopolamine
Deadly Nightshade contains atropine and scopolamine - toxins that can induce hallucinations, confusion, and death if consumed. Best to avoid any mysterious berries that`ll deliver a trip you don't want.
6. Cardiac Glycosides
Oleander's beautiful flowers hide a deadly secret - cardiac glycosides. These toxins can cause heart arrhythmia and, ultimately, cardiac arrest. So, while you're taking in the view, avoiding this pretty plant could save your life.
7. Furanocoumarins
Giant Hogweed's stalk and leaves contain furanocoumarins, which can cause severe skin burns when exposed to sunlight. Stay clear of this giant threat if you want to avoid looking like a third-degree burn victim.
8. Thallium
This naturally occurring metal is hidden in water and soil, and its highly toxic compounds can cause nerve damage, hair loss, and death if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Be wary of any mysterious symptoms, and get checked out if you suspect you've come into contact with thallium.
9. Arsenic
Arsenic might sound like something from a Victorian murder mystery, but it's still found in water and soil today. Inorganic arsenic is toxic and can cause cancer and death if ingested. So, make sure you're drinking clean water and avoiding contaminated soil.
10. Saxitoxin
Paralytic shellfish poisoning? Sounds fun, right? Not so much if you're the one suffering from it. Saxitoxin, associated with paralytic shellfish poisoning, can paralyze muscles and lead to respiratory failure. Avoid eating shellfish unless you can trust the source.
Man-Made Toxins:
1. Sarin
Sarin is a chemical warfare agent that targets acetylcholinesterase, leading to rapid convulsions and death. If you come across this, it's best to evacuate the area immediately.
2. VX Agent
Another nerve agent used as a chemical warfare toxin, VX works similarly to sarin, causing severe muscle spasms and death if untreated. Like sarin, your best bet is to get the heck outta there ASAP.
So there you have it - ten naturally occurring toxins and two man-made toxins that aren't exactly your friend. Stay safe out there, and keep your distance from these deadly killers!
- The KGB, the Soviet secret police, was said to have used a man-made toxin called the VX agent in their operations, much like the nerve agent sarin, which targets the same enzyme and can lead to fatal muscle spasms.
- Georgi Markov, the renowned journalist and dissident, was a victim of a man-made toxin, ricin, a deadly substance often found in mixtures of animal or vegetable fats and oils, that was disguised in a tiny pellet and delivered to him by a stranger on London's Waterloo Bridge in 1978.
- The Soviet Union's use of the VX agent and other man-made toxins against their enemies was vehemently denounced by many nations, pointing to the dangerous lengths that some governments will go to eliminate their opposition.
