15 Most Deadly Poisons in the World

One poison is any substance that alters the vital functions. Therefore, many poisons are used for more diverse reasons, such as in medicine.

Depending on the dose, these substances may not be dangerous. Thus, the phrase Paracelsus, a doctor in the 16th century and considered the father of toxicology, is still valid today. According to him, “The dose makes the poison”.

With that, some poisons may be in your backyard. To avoid accidents, check out the list of 15 most lethal poisons in the world.

World's deadliest poisons

sarin

used as chemical weapon in gas form, sarin is a colorless, odorless liquid. The production and storage of sarin gas was banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993. Its discovery took place in Germany in 1938.

Oleander

This plant is common to decorate houses and sidewalks, but it is highly toxic. The entire plant is toxic, including the sap.

strychnine

Originally used as pesticide, mainly for the control of rats, the toxin was banned in several countries due to the harm caused.

botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by bacteriumClostridium botulinum. Used in the form of botox, it is applied in dermatology. Thus, the toxin is extremely potent and can cause muscle paralysis if administered the wrong way.

Polonium

the chemical element radioactive was discovered by Pierre and Marie Curie in 1898 and is used in satellite thermonuclear batteries. Additionally, it was used as a poison to kill former Russian KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in 2006.

Maitotoxin

Produced by plankton in the sea, the toxin can contaminate shellfish and, consequently, consumers. When ingested, it causes heart failure.

Mercury

Liquid metal at room temperature, releases toxic gases when heated. When exposed, the person may experience stomach ache, nervousness, insomnia, tremors, depression,anxiety, diarrhea, metal taste in the mouth, loose teeth with inflamed and bleeding gums, failure of memory and muscle weakness, mood swings, aggressiveness, difficulty paying attention and even insanity.

batrachotoxin

This poison comes from the toxins of toads (Phyllobates terribilis It is bicolor phyllobates) originating from Colombia. The toxin was collected and used by indigenous people to poison weapons such as darts.

sulfur mustard

This chemical agent, also known as Mustard Gas, was used in numerous wars, including the Second World War, for the Nazi germany.

Zyklon B

In gas form, this compound was used in nazi concentration camps to kill the inmates en masse. Despite its deadly use, it was originally conceived as a pesticide.

VX

The VX is an extremely potent chemical weapon. It is presented in the form of an amber and odorless liquid and only one drop can cause death.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a bacteria – Bacillus anthracis – known to have been used in a terrorist attack in the US U.S in 2001. It is used in powder form, to disperse in the air and to be ingested through breathing.

Arsenic

This odorless poison was widely used in Middle Ages intentionally to cause death. One famous death was that of George III, King of Great Britain. The substance was also found in makeup at the time, used to make skin white.

Ricin

Ricin is the protein found in the castor bean plant. One castor bean seed is enough to cause the death of a child.

Cyanide

Cyanide was used by agents in World War II to avoid interrogation and torture. Effects begin to show within a few minutes. They are: headache, dizziness, fast heart rate, shortness of breath and vomiting.

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