Hemlock Fast facts:– Latin name is Conium maculatum– Indigenous to Europe and North Africa– Introduced to most other parts of the world– All parts of the plant toxic– Toxin causes paralysis and respiratory failure– Can survive with artificial respiration for 48 to 72 hours– 0.1mg can be fatal– Used as poison since 400BC– Famous for…
Research
A to Z Challenge: G (poisons & stories of their use)
Geography Cone Snail Fast facts:– Latin name is Conus geographus– One of most venomous creatures on Earth– It’s venom has analgesic properties– Toxin causes muscle paralysis, vision impairment and respiratory failure– Most toxic cone snail with more than 100 toxins– A few microlitres of toxin enough to kill 10 people– No anti-venom exists– 36 deaths…
A to Z Challenge: F (poisons & stories of their use)
Foxglove Fast facts:– Latin name is Digitalsi lanata– Native to the Balkans– A naturalised, invasive species in the US and Canada– Contains a powerful cardiac glycoside called digitalin (or digoxin)– Used in heart medication– Adverse drug reactions common– Margin between effectiveness and toxicity narrow– Famously used in the Foxglove Murders and by Angel of Mercy…
A to Z Challenge: E (poisons & stories of their use)
Emetic tartar Fast facts:– Contains antimony, a naturally occurring metal– ‘Sb’ on the periodic table (atomic no.51)– Used to induce vomiting– Symptoms similar to arsenic– Kills in 30 minutes after ingestion– Has an acrid metallic taste– Can be detected during autopsy– Intentionally used to treat patients suffering from leishmaniasis– Used by serial killer George Chapman,…
A to Z Challenge: D (poisons & stories of their use)
Death Cap Mushroom Fast facts: – Amatoxin is the toxic compound – Lethal in small doses – Often found under/near oak trees – Heat doesn’t destroy the toxin – Causes organ damage, particularly liver and heart – Native to Europe and parts of North Africa – Feral species in the Americas and Australia – Cause…