We present to your attention a list of the most famous poisons that have been used to kill people throughout history.

Hemlock is a genus of highly toxic flowering plants native to Europe and South Africa. The ancient Greeks used it to kill their captives. For an adult, 100 mg is enough. infusion or about 8 hemlock leaves to cause death - your mind is awake, but your body does not respond and eventually the respiratory system stops. The most famous case of poisoning is considered to be one sentenced to death for atheism in 399 BC. e., the Greek philosopher Socrates, who received a very concentrated infusion of hemlock.

Fighter or Wolfsbane

Ninth place in the list of the most famous poisons is occupied by Borets - a genus of perennial poisonous plants growing in damp places along the banks of rivers in Europe, Asia and North America. The poison of this plant causes asphyxia, which leads to suffocation. Poisoning can occur even after touching the leaves without gloves, since the poison is absorbed very quickly and easily. According to legend, Emperor Claudius was poisoned by the poison of this plant. It was also used to lubricate bolts for the Chu Ko Nu crossbow, one of the unusual ancient types of weapons.

Belladonna or Belladonna

The name belladonna comes from the Italian word and translates as “ beautiful woman" In the old days, this plant was used for cosmetic purposes - Italian women dropped belladonna juice into their eyes, the pupils dilated, and the eyes acquired a special shine. The berries were also rubbed on the cheeks to give them a “natural” blush. It is one of the most poisonous plants in the world. All its parts are toxic and contain atropine, which can cause severe poisoning.

Dimethylmercury is a colorless liquid and one of the most powerful neurotoxins. Hit 0.1 ml. this liquid on the skin is already fatal for humans. It is interesting that symptoms of poisoning begin to appear after several months have passed, which is already too late for effective treatment. In 1996, inorganic chemist Karen Wetterhahn was conducting experiments at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and spilled one drop of this liquid on her gloved hand - dimethylmercury was absorbed into the skin through the latex gloves. Symptoms appeared four months later, and Karen died ten months later.

Tetrodotoxin

Tetrodotoxin is found in two sea ​​creatures - blue-ringed octopus and in Fugu fish. The octopus is the most dangerous because it deliberately injects its venom, killing its prey within minutes. It has enough poison to kill 26 adults within minutes. The bites are often painless, so many people only realize they have been bitten when paralysis occurs. But fugu fish is only lethal when eaten. But if the fish is cooked correctly, it is harmless.

Polonium is a radioactive poison and a slow killer. One gram of polonium vapor can kill about 1.5 million people in just a couple of months. Most famous case poisoning presumably with polonium-210, there was a case of poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko. Polonium was found in his cup of tea - a dose 200 times the average lethal dose. He died three weeks later.

Mercury is a relatively rare element that at room temperature is a heavy, silvery-white liquid. Only vapors and soluble mercury compounds are poisonous, causing severe poisoning. Metallic mercury does not have a noticeable effect on the body. Famous case death from mercury (allegedly) is the Austrian composer Amadeus Mozart.

Cyanide is a deadly poison that results in internal asphyxia. The lethal dose of cyanide for humans is 1.5 mg. per kilogram of body weight. Cyanide was usually sewn into the collars of the shirts of scouts and spies. In addition, the poison was used in gaseous form in Nazi Germany to massacre in gas chambers during the Holocaust. It is a proven fact that Rasputin was poisoned with several lethal doses of cyanide, but he never died, but was drowned.

Botulinum toxin is the most powerful poison known to science among organic toxins and substances in general. The poison causes severe toxic damage - botulism. Death occurs from hypoxia caused by violation metabolic processes oxygen, asphyxia of the respiratory tract, paralysis of the respiratory muscles and cardiac muscle.

Arsenic was recognized as the “king of poisons.” Arsenic poisoning causes symptoms similar to those of cholera (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea). Arsenic, like Belladonna (item 8), was used in ancient times by women to make their faces pale white. There is an assumption that Napoleon was poisoned on the island of St. Helena with arsenic compounds.

It is noteworthy that products widely used in everyday life can be poisonous. And often the names of the most powerful poisons appear in simple objects. They are always near a person, and he does not even know about them.

Methanol

One of the most dangerous poisons for humans is called methanol. The thing is that it was often confused with wine alcohol. And you cannot distinguish one from the other by taste and smell. Fake alcohol is sometimes made from a deadly poison called methanol. And this fact can only be revealed by conducting appropriate laboratory research. At best, a person who drinks such a drink goes blind.

Mercury

IN old times and many families still keep a mercury thermometer at home. But if you spill this substance at home, this is quite enough to cause poisoning. There is no dangerous chemical poison called mercury; it is its vapors that are dangerous. They separate at room temperature. In addition to thermometers, the same element is included in fluorescent lamps. For this reason, safety precautions must be observed with them.

There are currently about 2,500 species of snakes in the world, and only 250 of them have cleverly named venoms. The most famous reptiles of this type are cobras, vipers, rattlesnakes and sand elves. Their poison poses a danger to people if it gets into circulatory system. The first official antidote was released in 1895. At the same time, there are no universal antidotes - there is one for each type of snake.

Potassium cyanide

The fastest killing poison is called potassium cyanide. It has been used since ancient times, and is the most famous “spy” poisoning method. This is what intelligence officers use in films - there it is presented in the form of ampoules or tablets. It has the smell of bitter almonds. It is noteworthy that simply inhaling or touching this substance is poisonous.

It is found in a number of herbs, foods, and cigarettes. It is used when gold is extracted from ore. Its lethal effect is possible due to the binding of iron in the blood, so the supply of oxygen to vital organs is stopped. It is noteworthy that they tried, but failed, to poison Grigory Rasputin with this substance. The thing is that it was added to a sweet product, and glucose is an antidote for this poison.

Mushrooms

Poison is also found in mushrooms; this is the most accessible type of toxic substance. The most famous are false honey mushrooms, pale toadstools, lines, fly agarics. Most often, poisoning with toadstool occurs due to the fact that different types This mushroom has a lot. And a number of them are very similar to edible ones. One mushroom is enough to kill several people at once.

It is noteworthy that the German nation has learned to prepare fly agaric mushrooms in such a way that they lose their poisonous properties. However, such cooking takes at least a day. If the expiration date is violated, such a dish again becomes dangerous to humans.

Potatoes and bread

You can safely add potatoes and bread to the list of names of poisons. If potatoes are stored incorrectly, solanine accumulates in them. It leads to poisoning and even death. Bread will be poisonous if made from flour containing grains contaminated with ergot.

The most famous poison

The name of the poison, which is among the most famous, is curare. He plant origin, produced in South America. It quickly causes respiratory paralysis. Initially it was used in hunting animals, and in the twentieth century its use in medicine began. He was extremely popular among the Indians.

In the ranking of the most famous names of poisons, arsenic cannot be ignored. This is a “royal” poison that has been used since ancient times. There are known cases of its use even under Caligula. He eliminated competitors in the political arena; the nobility loved him in the Middle Ages.

Poisoners in history

The most famous users of poisons were representatives of the Borgia dynasty. They actually made it its own art form. An invitation to a feast from them made anyone shudder. The most insidious were Pope Alexander IV Borgia and his children - Cesare and Lucrezia. They derived their formula and the name of a rare poison - cantarella. Presumably, the composition included arsenic, phosphorus and copper salt.

It is noteworthy that the father of the family himself died after mistakenly drinking a cup of poison that was intended for another.

About the most powerful poison in the world

It is hardly possible to accurately answer which name of the poison implies the most dangerous substance. The toxins of botulism and tetanus are extremely strong. Moreover, the source of botulism can be home preparation.

Natural poisons

Batrachotoxin is considered the most powerful natural poison. It is this substance that produces the skin of the small but dangerous dart frog. It is found in Colombia. One such amphibian contains such a concentration of dangerous substances that it can kill several elephants.

Radioactive poisons

Radioactive poisons are very dangerous. The most famous of these is polonium, which has a slow effect, but one gram of it is enough to kill 1,500,000 people.

Polonium was discovered in uranium ore. When it is outside the human body, it is not a dangerous substance. It does not penetrate the skin. But as soon as it is inside the body, polonium instantly causes severe damage to internal organs. Death in this case is inevitable.

Chemical poisons

Chemical poisons with the name of the group are produced by synthesizing various substances. One of the strongest poisons in this group is acrolein. It was often used on the battlefields of World War I as a chemical weapon.

Soman is a chemical that smells like apples. At the same time, a minute after the defeat, the pupils begin to dilate and breathing becomes difficult. It began to be used in 1944.

The next known chemical poison is called carbon disulfide. It smells quite pleasant, but acts like a drug. A person poisoned by it loses consciousness, begins to have convulsions and headache, vomiting and shortness of breath are possible.

The scientific name of the poison, which is classified as chemical and has an ammonia odor, is trimethylamine. Even in small concentrations, it irritates the eyes, the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs, and its main effect is suffocating.

Chlorine is the simplest gas that has a metallic taste. It is widely used in the industrial sector, and was also used by German troops in the First World War. It causes lung burns.

Composition of snake venom

The scientific name for snake venoms is serpentotoxin. This substance mostly consists of proteins that clot blood and destroy proteins. Sea snakes produce poison with neurotoxins - they paralyze the nervous system. In addition, such substances cause rapid tissue necrosis, disrupt the functioning of internal organs, and reduce cardiac output.

It is noteworthy that the composition of snake venoms has not been fully studied. But by processing them, man learned to use such substances in medicine. Thus, cobra venom is used for analgesic effect. Viper venom is used to eliminate the ability of blood to clot for 3 weeks. There is reason to believe that one day snake venom will become a treatment for thrombosis.

Classification of poisons

A separate classification of poisons is used, and it is carried out for many reasons. Thus, in forensic science, blood poisons are isolated - they change the composition of the blood, gluing and destroying red blood cells. This group includes arsenous hydrogen, bertholite salt, carbon monoxide, and mushroom poison.

In addition, they release toxic substances that change the composition of hemoglobin. Death is achieved due to the fact that oxygen stops flowing from the lungs to the tissues. This is how, for example, carbon monoxide and a salt of nitric acid act.

Destructive poisons represent a separate category. They provoke necrosis and dystrophy. For the most part, their action affects internal organs. This category includes arsenic, lead, phosphorus.

There are also neuro-functional poisons, as the name suggests, their effects are aimed primarily at the human nervous system. Strychnine and phenamine excite the central nervous system. While it is suppressed by morphine, codeine, ethyl and methyl alcohols. Cyanide compounds paralyze the nervous system.

The most toxic metal is arsenic. This is what insect repellents are impregnated with.

Pope Clement VII died in 1534 from toadstool poisoning.

Abraham Lincoln's mother died when she drank the milk of a cow that was eating a poisonous plant, wrinkled sapling. This cause of death was common for thousands of people in the 19th century. The leaves of this plant are very similar to nettles, and people often confused them.

It is noteworthy that some animals react very sharply to poisonous gases. For this reason, they served as indicators for people of the presence of poison in the air. In World War II, these were cats for the Germans, and budgies for the British.

Cyanide was used in the gas chambers. This applies to executions in the USA and to the extermination of Jews by the Nazis. Survivors of this phenomenon describe its smell as “bitter almonds.” When cyanide enters the body, it makes blood circulation impossible. At the moment, executions by this method are prohibited due to inhumanity.

It is noteworthy that one of the most dangerous nerve gases - VX - was initially released for sale as Amiton pesticides. And only then did scientists find out how dangerous such a substance is for humans. During the Cold War it was a backup weapon.

During the Vietnam War, defoliant from Dow Chemical and Monsanto companies was very actively used. They destroyed trees that provided cover for enemies. The poison contains a substance that provokes the development cancerous tumors. Due to the widespread use of this composition in Vietnam, many women gave birth to stillborn children or with abnormalities - with extra fingers, without certain parts of the body, with mental retardation. And this substance has not yet evaporated; it remains in Vietnam.

Lead is also considered poisonous. It was used 8,000 years ago, but people became aware of its danger not so long ago. Just a couple of decades ago, people learned that this substance affects internal organs, causing poisoning. The ultimate manifestations of lead exposure are: mental disorders, diarrhea.

History of poisons

The first mention of a poisoning investigation is a document drawn up in Rome in 331 BC. Suddenly, a series of deaths of noble patricians occurred. Initially, a version of the epidemic was expressed, but the denunciation of one of the slaves pointed to the guilt of Cornelia and Sergius, patricians. They possessed a whole range of poisons. While convincing the Senate that these were drugs, they took these drugs and died.

During civil strife in Ancient Rome Suicides by poisoning were common. At the same time, it was permissible to provide the authorities with a good reason and receive a poisonous decoction. It is noteworthy that it was then that the tradition of clinking glasses appeared - during such a ritual, wine spilled out of the glass and went to the neighbor. In this way, the man proved that there was no poison in the cups.

In the writings that have survived to this day from those times, thoughts often appear about how difficult it is to recognize poison. Over the centuries, poisoning has acquired the characteristics of a separate art - poisoners learned to eliminate bitterness by adding sweets, bad smell replaced by odorous substances. Poisons were mixed with medicines intended for the sick. Rescue from this scourge was very difficult.

The world-famous medieval physician and alchemist Paracelsus once said: “Everything is poison, everything is medicine; both are determined by the dose.” Even too much water can cause death. However, some substances will require a tiny amount - this will be enough to cause death. Sometimes just one drop is enough to fall on hands unprotected by gloves - these are the substances that are classified as very toxic. Among the deadly substances there are also organic substances plant nature, and heavy metals, and gases synthesized by man. We have prepared for you a list of the most dangerous of them - the 25 most deadly toxic substances.

The most poisonous substance in the world for humans is cyanide.

The most common forms of cyanide are a colorless gas or crystals, but regardless of the form, the substance is deadly. To some people, cyanide smells like bitter almonds.

Cyanide poisoning is accompanied by characteristic symptoms: headache, nausea, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of general malaise. Without timely medical intervention, cyanide will kill the body, causing oxygen starvation of cells. Vial of cyanide

Cyanide is contained in apple seeds, but do not rush to rinse your stomach after eating a few seeds - the concentration of the dangerous substance in them is extremely insignificant. You would have to eat more than ten whole apple stalks before you feel the effects of cyanide poisoning. But, of course, you shouldn’t do this.

Hydrofluoric acid, or hydrofluoric acid, is a chemical required to produce polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as Teflon. It is also an extremely toxic poison.
Container with hydrofluoric acid

If a liquid containing even a small amount of hydrofluoric acid gets on the skin, there is a high probability that the poison will enter the circulatory system through the capillaries. When it reacts with calcium, it will begin to break down your bones.

Fortunately, getting this substance on the skin is painless, and the process of penetration through the skin is not instantaneous, so you will have enough time to wash this dangerous substance off yourself.

Arsenic has been known since ancient times. It occurs in nature in pure form and in the form of sulfides. It is a crystalline semimetal in form. Medieval alchemists, including the already mentioned Paracelsus, were involved in the synthesis of arsenic.
Glass vial of arsenic

This substance, until the end of the 19th century, was the most common poison used to commit murders. A victim poisoned with arsenic dies from several hours to several days. This practice dates back to the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The characteristic symptoms of arsenic poisoning were severe vomiting and diarrhea, which at the time could easily be confused with symptoms of cholera or dysentery.

Belladonna

This plant has also been known since ancient times, and it was used both in Europe and in Rus'. All parts of belladonna are very toxic, especially the roots. The least poisonous are the berries, and yet two berries will be enough to kill one year old child.
Belladonna berries, flowers and leaves

In medieval Italy, the juice of this plant was dropped into the eyes of local fashionistas - thanks to the atropine content in it, the pupils dilated, and the gaze acquired an alluring shine. At the same time, it is atropine alkaloids that lead to poisoning - they actively affect the nervous system, first provoking an excited state, and then leading to rage and cardiac arrest. It’s not for nothing that one of the names of this plant is Crazy Berry.

Carbon monoxide or carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Physical form This substance is a gas without taste, color or odor. This gas is released when coal burns, for example - it is the cause of many deaths in fires.
Clipping from an old magazine warning about the dangers of carbon monoxide

This substance disrupts the process of oxygen transfer, which causes oxygen starvation in cells. Symptoms of poisoning are general physical weakness, dizziness and headache, nausea, drowsiness. Fortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning is reversible - timely resuscitation measures can “bring back to life” a person who has inhaled carbon monoxide.

The fruits of the Manchinella tree, also called manchinella, look like green apples, but don’t rush to taste them. It's best to stay away from this tree altogether - it is one of the most poisonous plants on Earth and certainly the most poisonous in North America.

Manchinella grows in Florida, but you need to be wary of the sap of this tree. Even the wind blowing on you from the direction of this terrible plant can lead to severe itching, and contact with the milky juice on the skin will cause painful blisters, dermatitis and severe burns. Smoke from burning branches of this tree can cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. Well, it’s not worth talking about the fruits.
Manchineel tree danger warning

Interesting fact: local Indians, during the Spanish conquest of these lands, used an extract from manchinella root as one of the components of a terrible poison, which was used to smear arrowheads. The famous Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon died long and painfully from one such arrow that hit him in the leg.

This substance is the most active non-metal, interacting with literally anything. If it comes into contact with the skin, such gas will cause a severe chemical burn. It can also contribute to eye damage, including blindness. If you are interested in organic chemistry, remember that fluorine is not to be trifled with.

This compound is found both in industrial pesticides and in the sap of some plants in Australia and South Africa (Dichapetalum cymosum). Consumption of the latter leads to the death of about 8% of livestock grazing in the areas where it grows. What is characteristic is that there is no antidote for this substance. For humans, the lethal dose is 5 mg per 1 kg.
Fluoroacetic acid warning

The most dangerous poison created by man is called dioxin - only 50 micrograms are required for an adult. It is the third most toxic poison known to science- it is 60 times more toxic than cyanide!
Warning about contamination of the area with dioxins

This substance, or rather a whole group of substances, denoted by a single term for ease of perception, belongs to the group of xenobiotics, that is, substances alien to the natural biotic substances of the Earth. This is a consequence of the chemical industry and waste recycling. Dioxins are also a cumulative poison, that is, they gradually accumulate both in the environment and in the bodies of living beings, leading to terrible changes.

Dimethylmercury

This colorless liquid is a powerful neurotoxin. Even thick latex gloves will not save you from its effects. This fact has been confirmed tragic death inorganic chemist Karen Wetterhahn in 1996. A few drops of the substance that fell on the scientist’s glove led to death - after 4 months, symptoms of poisoning began to appear, and six months later the woman died.

Aconite, also known as Fighter, is a whole family of plants, many of which are prized for their beautiful flowers. However, all of them are extremely toxic, however, this only applies to juice. The most poisonous parts of plants are the tubers; the active substance is the aconitine alkaloid.
Aconite plant containing aconitine

According to legend, these plants sprouted from the saliva of Cerberus, whom Hercules brought from the underground kingdom of Hades. What does this legend indicate? The fact that the plant was widely known already in Ancient Greece.

Some modern “healers” promote the idea of ​​treating cancer and many other diseases with tincture of aconite. The clinical effectiveness of this treatment has not been proven and is associated with risks to your health.

Substances of this group are contained in poisonous mushrooms, among others - in pale toadstool. The effect of this poison on the body is extremely destructive - work is paralyzed gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and heart. Necrosis of liver tissue occurs.
Pale toadstools containing amatoxin

In case of poisoning, the first symptoms appear very sharply after 5 hours or more - depending on the degree of poisoning, its active phase can begin even after a day. The condition is rapidly deteriorating - bloody diarrhea, terrible pain in the abdominal cavity, severe vomiting. Mushroom poisoning with amatoxin in most cases is severe and requires immediate medical intervention.

Three out of four people who contract this bacterium die, even if they are hospitalized and treated. You can get infected from livestock used for agriculture. However, the disease is very acute, so that foci of infection, if they occur, can be promptly identified and destroyed, along with the carriers.
Fencing of quarantine zone due to outbreak anthrax

Hemlock

You may know this plant under the name Hemlock, or Omega. It is a distant relative of celery and is the carrier of one of the most powerful poisons in the plant kingdom. According to legend, the ancient Greek thinker Socrates was once poisoned with it.

This plant is popular as a murder weapon. Most often it is added to the victim's food under the guise of salad. Poisoning leads to severe convulsions, pain and death. Even if the poisoned person survives, the consequences in the form of amnesia, severe tremors and clouding of reason can haunt him for the rest of his life.
Hemlock plant containing hemlock

IN early XIX Hemlock-based drugs have been used as pain relievers for centuries.

This is the main ingredient of rat poison, a powerful pesticide. It was synthesized from the seeds of the tropical chilibuha tree, also known as the vomit nut. Strychnine will have no less effective effect on humans than on pests - death from a dose of 50 mg can occur for an adult half an hour after poisoning.
Strychnine bottle

You can become poisoned by strychnine by inhaling its fumes, applying it to the skin, or inadvertently taking it orally. Symptoms appear almost immediately - vomiting and painful convulsions.

Strychnine is one of the most popular poisons, often appearing in literary works, cinema and even comic books.

A powerful paralytic poison produced by dinophyte algae. The most potent non-protein toxin, having the most complex cell structure for a non-protein compound produced by a living organism.
Dinoflagellates - plankton that produce maytotoxin

In addition, it is the most terrible “sea” poison. Its source is essentially plankton. Fortunately, poisoning requires an extremely high concentration of these microorganisms, so the risk of accidental poisoning is virtually zero.

Previously, mercury was actively used in thermometers and medical thermometers. Moreover, mercury is the only volatile metal whose vapor poisoning can be fatal. Mercury can cause tissue necrosis, blindness, kidney failure, amnesia and central nervous system paralysis.
This is what liquid mercury looks like

Interesting fact: after analyzing the remains of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, scientists came to the conclusion that the last representative of the Rurik family was poisoned with mercury for a long time, from which he eventually died.

Another deadly metal, but this time it is radioactive. In the last 50 years it has been a popular weapon for demonstrative murder. Alexander Litvinenko, Yasser Arafat, Alexander Goldfarb and others died from polonium poisoning.
Polonium in its natural state

Polonium-210 is 250 thousand times more toxic than hydrocyanic acid. For the death of an adult male, 10 mcg of this isotope entering his body will be sufficient. So, to kill ten million people you would need about a gram of polonium. Typically, the alpha particles of this substance are not able to penetrate the skin, so for polonium poisoning it is necessary to enter the body, for example, through the respiratory tract or oral cavity.

This poison is found in all parts of Cerberus trees, named after the guardian of the gates of the kingdom of Hades. Even the smoke from this tree can cause serious poisoning. The effect of the poison leads to cardiac arrest.
Fruits of the Cerberus tree

In Madagascar, until 1861, eating Cerberus fruits was used in trials and was a kind of analogue of the “witch bath” of medieval Europe. If the accused survived after taking it, he was considered innocent, but if he did not survive, it is obvious that guilt can be considered proven.

Botulinum toxin

The most powerful organic poison, neurotoxin. For an adult, the lethal dose will be approximately 0.05 mcg. Entering the body leads to paralysis and further death.
In this form, butulinum toxin is used in aesthetic medicine.

Botox, used in aesthetic medicine, is butulinum toxin, albeit slightly modified.

The bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which produces butulinum toxin, prefer an airless environment. That is why, when spores penetrate canned twists, they activate vital processes, releasing a deadly poison.

Tetrodotoxin

This is the world-famous poison of fugu fish, considered a delicacy in Japan. Once in the body, tetrodotoxin causes respiratory arrest. There is no antidote, but the poisoned person can be saved by supporting the functioning of the respiratory system artificially for some time. However, every year in Japan, several people die from fugu fish poisoning. Several dozen more people are saved.
Fugu fish contains deadly tetrodotoxin

Fugu fish does not produce tetrodotoxin, but only accumulates it from the plankton it consumes, the toxicity of some species of which we have already discussed earlier.

Chemical weapons, military nerve gas. It was created in the mid-30s, used on the battlefields of World War II and in wars modern history and major terrorist attacks. It was recognized as a weapon of mass destruction.
US Honest John missile demonstration warhead, showing M139 sarin canisters (circa 1960s photo)

This gas is colorless, tasteless and odorless. Death from sarin poisoning is terrible and very fast. Antidotes exist, but comprehensive treatment of those poisoned by sarin on the battlefield is virtually impossible. Sarin is one of the substances prohibited from production and stockpiling under the Chemical Weapons Convention adopted by the UN in 1997.

This poison is produced by a small yellow frog that lives in the tropical forests of southwestern Colombia - the Terrible Leaf Climber. The poison secreted by the skin glands of the frog and serving as its protection from predators is one of the strongest organic non-protein poisons.
A terrible leaf climber that produces batrachotoxin

The action of the poison paralyzes the respiratory system, muscles and heart, leading to its stop. Local Indians use this poison by running a blowpipe dart across the frog's back. After being wounded by such a dart, a person dies in less than 10 minutes. There is no effective antidote, but scientists have now developed synthetic analogs of batrachotoxin that are twice as toxic.

One of the strongest phytotoxins. It is especially dangerous in aerosol form. Found naturally in castor beans and castor beans. You probably know another derivative of this plant - castor oil.
Castor beans containing ricin

The toxicity of ricin is 6 times higher than that of potassium cyanide. Of course, this substance is used as a weapon. The most resonant case of its use is the murder of the Bulgarian dissident Georgiy Markov.

VI-gas

Chemical warfare agent VX is the most powerful man-made poison ever synthesized by man. Weapons based on this gas are still in service with the armies of the United States and Russia, although according to official data, in 2017 the Russian army completely destroyed its stockpiles of chemical weapons, including VX and its analogues.
This is what the storage facility for the most terrible chemical weapons on Earth looks like

It was this poison that killed the half-brother of Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 2017.

As you can see, there are enough dangerous substances of organic origin in the world. But most strong poisons created by man. Today there are several international agreements prohibiting the production and condemning the use of chemical weapons. But its reserves are still large and cases of its use continue to be recorded. How to avoid becoming a victim of poisoning with the substances described in this article? Be vigilant when working with various chemical reagents, do not eat puffer fish meat, do not pet toads, and hope that the “powers that be” will have enough prudence to never use any of the arsenal of weapons of mass destruction that they have at their disposal.

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:

1. 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 a broken thermometer can cause irreparable harm. The evaporation process begins even at room temperature. It is prohibited to collect spilled mercury yourself. You must immediately seek help from a specialized service.
2. 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. Consumption of even a small amount of this substance can be fatal. a person loses his sight.
3. Potassium cyanide. This is the most powerful poison for humans. It is widely used in plastic products, photography, gold mining and some other fields. Poisoning occurs even from inhaling cyanide vapor. IN shortest time Respiratory failure develops and convulsions appear. In case of severe intoxication, death occurs.
4. 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 long and painful death. Today, the deadly poison sarin is officially banned, but terrorists are trying to use it as a chemical weapon.
5. 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, cramps and severe pain appear 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. Special attention The following substances deserve:

1. 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 it is lost to save a person, 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: toadstool or potassium cyanide. In fact, these poisons can be placed on the same level in terms of toxicity.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Curare. It is a poison that is produced from a mixture of plants 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:

1. Toads chirp. The skin of these amphibians secretes chiriquitotoxin. This neurotoxin has a toxic effect on the human nervous system. After intoxication, a person develops severe cramps, coordination of movements is impaired, and complete paralysis of the limbs may develop. The poison has strong impact if administered intramuscularly.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Karakurt. During the bite, the spider injects alpha-latrotoxin into the victim's blood. It leads to severe pain that 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.
5. 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 it, especially for wild fauna.

If you are bitten by a poisonous snake or spider, try to immediately suck the poison out of the wound. Remember that this can only be done if there is no damage to the oral cavity. 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:

1. 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 the earliest stages. In other cases, the probability of death is extremely high. The bacterium multiplies quickly in the absence of oxygen, so poor quality canned food often becomes a source of poisoning.
2. 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. With the intestinal form of the disease, no more than 5% of victims can be saved.
3. 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 avoid contact with hazardous substances as little as possible. If infection does occur, do not try to cure it yourself. Only timely seeking medical help will save your life.

There are different poisons, and they also have different effects on the body. Symptoms of poisoning are characteristic of each substance; this helps to recognize the cause of intoxication and provide timely assistance.

Poisons include substances that can cause dangerous disorders in the body. They can contribute to the development of poisoning, diseases, and pathological conditions leading to human death. Today there are many various types toxins and poisons that differ in origin, strength of influence and other characteristics.

Poisons and toxic substances are usually divided into several main groups depending on their properties. As a rule, most of all toxic substances known to mankind can be classified into one of several groups, among which there are natural toxins, local and systemic poisons.

A separate list of names of poisons also includes the most deadly toxins for humans, which include botulinum toxin, diamphotoxin, ricin, titutoxin, tetrodotoxin and some other substances.

The peculiarity of systemic poisons is that they damage the entire organ system or affect some of them. This occurs due to the transport function of the blood, which in a short period of time “carries” the toxic substance to all key organs (such as the brain and heart).

Cyanide, or potassium cyanide

This inorganic poison has become widely known among people due to the fact that when poisoned with this substance, death occurs very quickly. Potassium cyanide is obtained from (since it is its salt), which, in turn, is also a potent toxin.

Cyanide is used in a wide variety of areas:

• In the mining industry and for steel production (for cyanidation of steel).
• In jewelry making for gilding, silvering and degreasing, as well as other galvanic processes. Ammonium cyanide (CA) can also be used for these purposes.
• Cyanide can be used to create some rare artistic paints (such as Prussian blue or milori).
• In the fight against rodents and insects (such as wasps).

When hitting human body the poison blocks the cellular enzyme - cytochrome c oxidase, which leads to oxygen starvation of cells and their rapid death. The functioning of internal organs ceases, after which death occurs.

In general, the symptoms are very similar to suffocation, in which a person experiences an acute lack of oxygen. You should know that sugar (more precisely, glucose) converts the cyanide substance into cyanohydrin, which is much less dangerous to human health than potassium cyanide.

Strychnine (indole alkaloid)

In medicine it is known as strychnine nitrate, or nitrate salt. This is used in minute concentrations to provide an analeptic (revitalizing) effect:

• Thanks to this, the digestive function of the stomach and intestines improves.
• Blood pressure, respiratory rate, and heart rate increase.
• Muscle tone appears, and lethargy and fatigue are relieved. In some cases, psychostimulants that contain strychnine can be prescribed for paralysis or paresis (incomplete paralysis).
• The bladder sphincter is strengthened, which leads to the elimination of urinary incontinence (particularly in children).
• Color vision, hearing and smell are enhanced.

In case of strychnine poisoning, involuntary convulsions will be among the first symptoms. Nagging pains appear throughout the body. At the same time, the toxin begins to have a destructive effect on the psyche: a sensation of goose bumps appears, everything begins to irritate, even the slightest noise.

With further poisoning, a person feels unable to relax his muscles - his arms and legs become elongated, like sticks, and the intensity of convulsions becomes increasingly higher. Such symptoms are accompanied by severe pain and panic.

A dose of 0.005 g is enough for the poison to begin its effect. When the concentration of the substance increases to 0.05 g, death from suffocation occurs. Strychnine has no antidote; To neutralize its effect, it is necessary to cleanse the stomach with tannins.

Barbituric acid preparations

In other words, barbiturates, which include such well-known drugs as chloroform and chloral hydrate. Also among these drugs are a huge number of different sleeping pills and sedatives. Not all of them can cause death - unless the dose is exceeded by more than 10 times.

However, among the fast-acting barbiturates, there are some types that can cause respiratory arrest. An example of such a drug is pentobarbital (trade name Nembutal), which is used in Switzerland, the Netherlands and some states as a means of euthanasia.

This drug is used as a potent sleeping pill and also for anesthesia; Sleep occurs approximately 30 minutes after taking pentobarbital. If the dose is violated, the medicine turns into poison, the effect of which reduces the force of heart contractions, after which a gradual attenuation of the pulse occurs.

This list of poisons includes all toxic substances that have a necrotizing, cauterizing and irritating effect on the skin and mucous membrane. This can also include caustic vapors and gases, as well as many types of chemical weapons.

Another name for such toxic substances is local poisons. Unlike the previous group, some of them are capable of injuring people without even entering the body (for example, liquid mustard gas).

However, most often poisoning with such substances occurs on chemical production, in particular, in many plants and factories producing household chemicals. The most accessible poisons belong precisely to this category.

Mercury and arsenic poisoning

There are many household and medical sources of mercury, which can lead to poisoning from its vapors. For example, some mercury thermometers contain about two grams of mercury; Some types of fluorescent lamps can contain several tens of milligrams. Mercury lamps are no exception.

In medicine, they try to replace mercury with less harmful analogues, however, it can still be found in vaccines (using mercury-containing substances). Mercury poisoning causes the following symptoms:

• Severe and cutting pain in the abdominal area.
• Headache and temporal pain.
• Increased salivation; It becomes difficult to swallow, as there is a feeling of a swollen throat.
• The occurrence of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes with bloody mucus).
• A cough and chills may begin.

If left untreated, death occurs within a few days. To treat acute forms of poisoning, the patient is hospitalized; for moderate forms, outpatient treatment is prescribed. One of the “oldest” is egg white (in raw form).

The effect of arsenic on the human body has much in common with mercury poisoning: symptoms also include headaches, vomiting and acute diarrhea; but the rate of poisoning of the body is different.

When mercury enters the body, it does not manifest itself in any way during the first hour or two; the effect of arsenic, as a rule, becomes noticeable within a few minutes (in case of acute intoxication). In case of minor poisoning, a metallic taste appears in the mouth and tinnitus occurs.

As first aid, the antidote Unithiol is injected into the muscle; if it is not there, then the patient is given a glass of water mixed with table vinegar (one or two tablespoons) to drink. You can add a few grams of tartaric or citric acid to the water.

Caustic acids and alkalis

A striking example of such substances is sulfuric acid. Almost everyone has heard that getting this solution on the skin will leave long-healing ulcers and severe chemical burns. In addition to the skin, acid can affect the respiratory tract, leading to laryngitis, bronchitis and other diseases.

No less dangerous is nitric acid, which, when it enters the human body, causes terrible headaches and pulmonary edema; the toxic fumes of this substance can very quickly deprive a person of his vision. Chronic “micro-poisoning” (if safety precautions are not followed at a chemical plant, for example) over time lead to the destruction of tooth enamel, as well as complex damage to internal organs.

Hydrofluoric acid, or hydrofluoric acid, is so caustic that it can burn through glass surfaces. This substance is especially dangerous because initial contact with the skin does not cause severe pain in a person, and the longer the acid is on any surface, the more damage it causes. As first aid, you should immediately wash the affected area of ​​the body and call an ambulance.

Alkalis, along with acids, can cause no less harm to human health. The most caustic and dangerous are sodium hydroxide, caustic ammonium, lithium hydroxide, and potassium alkali. Each of these species is extremely dangerous if it comes into contact with the skin and respiratory tract. Therefore, you should be very careful when working with concentrated alkalis and acids.

Tabun, Zarin, Soman

All three toxic substances belong to chemical weapons nerve-paralytic action. The most powerful of them is Soman, which is more than twice as toxic as Sarin and Tabun. These substances are used in gaseous form, sprayed over a potential enemy from the air using chemical warheads.

Intoxication with these gases manifests itself in symptoms such as severe dizziness, loss of coordination between movements, shortness of breath and severe chest pain, loss of consciousness, as well as death (which occurs within one minute at a concentration of the substance of 0.075 mg/l).

Sarin and Soman gases do not have a specific odor; in this regard, they can only be detected based on the initial symptoms, which manifest themselves in lacrimation, cough and headache. There are effective antidotes (for example, Atropine), the effectiveness of which depends on the degree of damage. In severe cases, death can occur within minutes.

It cannot be said that such chemical substances are the most dangerous poisons in the world, since the likelihood of being poisoned by them in Everyday life for the average person is quite small (if he, again, is not a chemist). However, after the terrorist attack in the Tokyo subway, where 8 people died from sarin poisoning, it is obvious that one should be prepared for anything.

These types of poisons do not always lead to tragedies, but this does not make them any less dangerous or toxic. Some sources of such toxins grow right under human feet, while other varieties are produced by animals, insects and fruit trees.

It is thanks to these “natural gifts” that almost every person knows that it is better not to put some berries in the mouth. If poisoning occurs, then, in most cases, the victim is pumped out and treated; Deaths are relatively rare, but they do happen.

Toadstools, fly agarics and false honey mushrooms

Mushrooms contain a lot of different microelements and substances; Some of them (like those listed above) remain very harmful and dangerous for humans during heat treatment. It is enough to eat 30 grams of toadstool to occupy the toilet for a long time. Characteristic symptoms also include a decrease in pulse, the appearance of severe thirst and frequent loss of consciousness.

Poisonous mushrooms, if not treated promptly, lead to death, especially if a person already suffers from serious illnesses such as hepatitis. Some types of fly agaric can cause hallucinations; however, this occurs only after severe intoxication of the body.

Black widow (karakurt)

The CIS region is definitely lucky in terms of the absence of many poisonous snakes, insects and spiders, whose bites easily kill a person. Karakurt is a spider, 10-20 mm in size, whose venom contains natural neurotoxins.

When bitten by such a spider, a person experiences burning and severe pain in the chest and abdomen, after which the heartbeat increases. After 15 minutes, vomiting and headache may occur, leading to blackouts and delirium.

If a special serum is not administered to the patient, the likelihood of death or irreparable harm to health increases. An example of such a serum is novocaine, as well as sodium hydrogen sulfate.

Wolf's bast (wolfberry)

Eating beautiful-looking berries can lead to severe intestinal damage. As a rule, children suffer from such poisoning, who can pick the fruits of the wolfberry simply out of curiosity.

The clinical picture of poisoning is similar to mushroom poisoning: abdominal pain, nausea, severe diarrhea and weakness of the body. The difference is that the consumption of wolfberry, as a rule, is not widespread; Children usually ingest no more than one or two berries, so the mortality rate is much lower than with mushrooms.

For first aid, all the actions that are taken in the case of food poisoning must be carried out, that is, taking sorbents, gastric lavage, diet and bed rest.